TRACS raising funds with holiday raffle

In their mission to provide continuous care and support to their animals, Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS) is asking for a little extra help this holiday season. TRACS has put together two different holiday raffle baskets and has organized a silent auction in order to raise funds for the shelter.

"We have had a tremendous amount of medical expenses come up within the last couple of months," said TRACS operations manager, Wanda Thorpe. "We have a lot of puppies and kittens with a number of illnesses and we are just trying to pull them through. Our vets do such a great job but the medical expenses are extreme and we just need a little help with that."

The "Man Cave" raffle basket is displayed at M&M Liquor in Thompson Falls. The basket contains a genuine bear skull that has been beetle cleaned and donated by the Austin Family. Also in the basket, you will find a bottle of Fireball, donated by M and M Liquor; Cold Smoke beer that was donated by the Winter Family; chips, dips, nuts and candy that has been donated by McGowan's Grocery in Plains; and beer mugs and a blanket that was donated by TRACS.

The second raffle basket, called the "She Shed" is displayed at Whitefish Credit Union in Thompson Falls. "The She Shed basket includes a number of items that women would like," said Thorpe. "In that basket you get an organizer, puzzles and some wine. The Olson Family has also donated some socks and a blanket for this basket."

Tickets for the raffle baskets are $1 each or six for $5. The drawing will take place December 23. "Just in time to get everything out for Christmas," Thorpe mentioned. Tickets will be sold at Plains Drug Store, M and M Liquor in Thompson Falls and The Local Store in Trout Creek.

Local artists are also lending their support for TRACS this holiday season and have donated several pieces that will be part of a silent auction and displayed at the Plains Library. Paintings, pottery and music can be seen in person until December 23.

You can place bids in person at the Plains Library Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also place a bid over the phone by calling (406) 827-3101. For after-hour bids, leave a message at (406) 827-8722, or email [email protected].

Bids will be posted periodically on the TRACS and Plains Library Facebook page and they will be available by request.