Festive fundraiser: Momence Christmas store benefits cats, dogs of RVAR

A charity shop in downtown Momence has transformed into a winter wonderland of gifts and decor for a good cause during the holiday season.

Ceazar’s Palace Resale for Rescue, the thrift store operated by Momence’s River Valley Animal Rescue, swapped out its usual selections of household goods and clothing for an entire inventory of Christmas-themed items.

Now in its 12th year, the Christmas store was previously hosted in a nearby rented storefront downtown, but when there were no vacancies for rent in 2023, the volunteers and staff of RVAR began converting the main shop.

This is the second year the shop has transformed into the Christmas store, closing for a week in early November and the week of Christmas to make the switch.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Elsa Lindsey, secretary and treasurer of RVAR.

Proceeds from selling donated items directly benefit the homeless pets in RVAR’s care, which spans across the main shelter site at 3960 Vincennes Trail and the Cat Oasis at 117 E. Washington St.

The rescue cares for hundreds of animals each year, and with that comes the cost.

In 2023, RVAR helped place 653 animals, including 338 cats and 315 dogs in loving homes.

The non-profit, a no-kill animal rescue and shelter, operates fully on donations from the public and the proceeds from the resale shop.

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 110 E. Washington St. in Momence.

This week marks the shop’s last week of operation for the season, with their popular Fill A Box sale running the whole week. Shoppers can bring a box and fill it with the thrift items for either $5 or $10 and Christmas trees are half off.

The shop will then close for the week of Christmas and reopen Jan. 2 with the store’s regular items.

Ceazar’s Palace has been in operation since RVAR was started by executive director Fran Moseley in 2012.

The Christmas store fundraiser began the same year, initiated by board vice president Ron Manns and board member Chuck Lawrence, and later joined by Momence resident Dan Schubert, as a way to foot the high bills that come with wintertime.

The store offers a wide variety of Christmas items including hundreds of decor items like figurines, snow globes, wall art and dolls. Ornaments, tree skirts and stockings accompany linens, blankets, clothing, dishes and glassware. Holiday books and music fill a few shelves with gift wrapping supplies and cards available as well.

And of course, there are Christmas-themed pet items like hats, sweaters, bandanas, collars, stockings and toys.

As the store prepares to revert to its regular inventory, donations such as household items, gently used clothing, books and toys are welcome. Furniture items can be accepted but due to space, it’s requested to call ahead at 815-450-6016.

The shelter’s full donation list can be found at rivervalleyanimalrescue.org/donate.

More information on River Valley Animal Rescue and Ceazar’s Palace can be found at rivervalleyanimalrescue.org.

https://daily-journal.com/news/local/festive-fundraiser-momence-christmas-store-benefits-cats-dogs-of-rvar/article_838e1fc2-bbdc-11ef-a36c-6b1fb58ced27.html