Lake County animal group's second fundraiser washed out

Mother Nature hasn't been cooperating with the Lake County Animal Protection Association, as rains washed away the group's second garage sale on Saturday.

Typically, the nonprofit organization uses money raised by garage sales to neuter pets for owners who can't afford the procedure. The group holds two garage sales per year, but the first one had been canceled because of the weather, said volunteer Lori del Castillo.

The Gurnee-based group has raised about $350 per sale in past years, but the floundering economy has hurt donations, del Castillo said. That makes events like the garage sale more important. Group officials can get the surgeries done for about $50. On an average, the group assists 300 pet owners per year.

"We'll have to pull some money out of our own pockets to make things happen," del Castillo said.

The group received donations from residents and businesses for the garage sale, including stuffed animals, vinyl records and antique car parts. About 30 boxes of donations were placed underneath tents where the sale was to take place on Argyle Road in Keeneyville at the home of one of del Castillo's relatives. While some of the goods could be salvaged, most of it, including the stuffed animals will need to be thrown away.

But it's not just a question of having items to sell. Standing water prevented del Castillo and other volunteers from going outside.

"We can't even get out of our driveway," del Castillo said.

Del Castillo said the group is looking for donations. Call (847) 740-3977 for information or send any donations to P.O. Box 106, Gurnee, IL 60031.