SPCA RUMMAGE STORE

Rummage sales to benefit the homeless animals in the care of the SPCA have been around for a long time, starting with the first one in 1940, which raised $40. For 60 years, the rummage sale was a six-week-long annual event. As the sale grew in popularity, it raised more and more funds necessary for the care of the SPCA animals. In 2007, a coalition of board members and staff opened the first brick-and-mortar SPCA Rummage Store on Preston Avenue. After nearly a decade, the store outgrew its original location. It moved to Seminole Square Shopping Center in 2016. The new location has a larger area for sorting and organizing donations and space for specialty sections, such as the popular Boutique.The Rummage Store continues to be a popular revenuegenerating arm of the SPCA. By implementing creative ideas and through hard work, the Rummage Store ’ s staff and volunteers have made the store a staple for shopping in Charlottesville. New items are always arriving, and prices drop on older items, ensuring that there ’ s always a reason to stop by the SPCA Rummage Store and support the shelter! The SPCA Rummage Store is located at 364 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia.

In 2021, the SPCA Rummage Store generated 9% of the SPCA’s revenue!

Third Annual Critter Lift

On October 30, 2021, the SPCA Rummage Store held its Third Annual Critter Lift & Rummage Store Extravaganza. Fresh merchandise was set out, Joe Thomas of WCHV-AM was broadcasting live, there were door prizes donated by Animal Connection and adoptable dogs were on-site. You may have seen the scissor lift outside the store! It was a fantastic day for people to support the pets at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Every purchase made at the SPCA Rummage Store adds resources to care for the homeless animals at the SPCA. And on that day, over $7,300 was generated through purchases at the store! Additionally, visitors filled our blue tubs with donations for the shelter, such as cat food, bleach and dog treats. It was wonderful to have such a show of community support!

Beating the Odds

Bobby (previously known as Red) traveled quite the distance to get to our shelter. He made the trip from Houston, Texas, in May 2021, but that was just the beginning of his journey. When Bobby arrived, our staff noticed he had some discharge around his eyes, which is a sign of infection. While awaiting lab results, our staff decided to isolate Bobby to prevent a possible virus from spreading to our shelter population. The results came back and showed that Bobby was positive for the canine distemper virus, also known as CDV. CDV is a highly contagious disease that is contracted primarily through respiratory inhalation. Bobby was so severely affected by the virus that he started to show neurological symptoms. It was difficult for him to open his mouth to eat. After two very emotional months, Bobby was approved to go into an experienced foster home to isolate and recover. The next day, Bobby ’ s foster said he was navigating the stairs well and pulling Eleanor, his foster, around the yard. This may not seem like much, but it was a relief for our staff to hear that he was regaining his strength. We started to have hope. Finally, Bobby was cleared from the virus in October. By that time, Eleanor had developed such a bond with Bobby that she decided to adopt him. Eleanor said Bobby is enjoying himself despite his neurological quirks caused by the virus. She said he has a puppy-like curiosity and enjoys the snow. Thank you, Eleanor, for caring for this special boy along the way!