Seniors take up collection to support local cat rescues

Residents of a retirement living community in Bethlehem are always eager to help their two-legged or four-legged friends.

In early September, seniors at Traditions of Hanover began collecting gently used items for donation to Nine Lives Thrift Store in Coopersburg. The store’s mission is to help local cat rescues, with a percentage of the profits given to the organization chosen for the quarter.

Through the sale of items, Nine Lives Thrift Store brings attention to these local animal rescues, some of whom the community may be unaware of.

Joanne Weiner, a resident of Traditions of Hanover, was happy to give up her stuff. “You don’t hear enough about good causes like this,” she said.

For resident Herb Repsher, he was willing to part with some baking items. “I don’t bake anymore and wanted to pass these on to someone who could use it,” he said.

Nine Lives Thrift Store was first brought to the residents’ attention by the community’s baker and cat lover Jill Heiserman, who regularly donates her items to the store.

While the residents have typically supported nonprofit organizations, the mission of the thrift store was one they could all get behind.

“The well-being of animals is important to all of us here at Traditions. We’re a pet-friendly community, so we’re happy to help and hope the thrift store will have much success in its efforts to save our fur friends in need,” said Megan Sedlock, marketing director at Traditions of Hanover.