VOLUNTEERS PLAN FOR AUCTION — Planning committee members for the Hancock County Humane Foundation met to finalize plans for Saturday’s quarter auction at T. Kosciuszko Hall in Weirton. Those taking part included, from left, Cheryl Russell, Joyce Znoy, Amanda Zirkle, President Cari McIntyre and Secretary Tami VanCamp. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Spring. The time when life renews itself. Flowers and trees begin to bloom. Birds return from their visit to states in the South.

Spring is the arrival of kitten season, as well, the time when cats start having litters of babies, adding to the area’s feline population.

There are more stray cats found in cities and villages throughout the Ohio Valley than can possibly be counted, leaving many to die on their own.

However, those who volunteer with the Hancock County Humane Foundation are doing all they can to help as many of these felines as possible.

To help benefit the nonprofit agency, officials have planned to hold a quarter auction at noon on Saturday. The event will take place at the T. Kosciuszko Hall, located at 1801 Pennsylvania Ave. in Weirton. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and bidding will begin at noon.

Admission will be $5, which includes one paddle. Each additional paddle will be $1. For those who are hungry around lunchtime, Giometti Catering will have a taco bar set up during the fundraiser. In addition, there will be at least 11 vendors in attendance, as well as a 50/50 drawing.

This is the second year the foundation has held a quarter auction to raise money for the agency’s needs. Officials noted approximately 100 people attended last year’s event.

So, how exactly does a quarter auction work?

Participants can purchase a numbered paddle at the cost of $5, with each additional numbered paddle being $1. A variety of donated items provided by vendors and the humane foundation will be up for bid. When an item is up for bid, the announcer will indicate if it is a one-quarter bid or a two-quarter bid.

Participants will put that number of quarters into a bucket for each paddle they would like to bid with.

It is not necessary to use all of the purchased paddles to bid on an item, officials explained, noting the bidding will be closed once the announcer begins drawing numbers until there is a winner.

The bidding game is a unique and entertaining way to help support the humane foundation. It provides an opportunity to socialize with attendees and take part in a friendly competition to win an array of items at a fraction of the cost.

Why is there such a need for monetary donations to be made at the Hancock County Humane Foundation?

According to Treasurer Karen Rine, the foundation is entirely operated by volunteers who solely rely on donations to care for the cats and kittens.

“Our rescue and adoption center currently houses 95 cats awaiting their permanent homes, while providing for another 15 in foster homes,” Rine explained.

“With kitten season starting, there will be additional costs for medical care, food and supplies,” shr continued. “The event will not only raise money, but also raise awareness for the HCHF’s ongoing efforts to care for so many cats.”

Board President Cari McIntyre, stated, “Animal cruelty is present every day and everywhere, as witnessed by a recent case in our county of a cat being killed. Our county shelter is currently limited on their holding capacity due to budget concerns. More than ever, we need to be the advocate for animals.”

“It is more important than ever to help the animals in our community by providing assistance to pet owners, low-cost spays and neuters for colony cats and care for the cats in our care, until loving homes can be found,” McIntyre added.

The humane foundation has been saving animals for more than 30 years, rescuing strays and unwanted cats and kittens, and offering them for adoption.

The volunteers operate a building to safely care for and socialize these cats until they are adopted.

“We provide monetary assistance for people desiring to spay or neuter their pets, and Trap, Neuter, Release services for feral cat colonies,” officials said. “We hold a bi-weekly free pet food pantry, with the continuing generosity of the local Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Amazon Distribution Center, helping an increasing number of caretakers of cat colonies and pet owners facing financial difficulties. We help people in need with financial assistance for veterinary services, too.”

The goals of the foundation are simple.

Volunteers want to put an end to euthanasia as a means of population control.

They want to provide low-cost services to reduce the number of unwanted litters and to unite animal welfare advocates for even more impact for the animals. They want to continue the mission of TNR, spaying and neutering. And to provide ahome for rescued, abused and neglected cats, so they can live in a place of safety, respect and love.

For auction information, call (740) 632-8648.