Sabattus Street Self Storage of Lewiston, Maine, is hosting a bottle drive on July 13 to raise funds for Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends, a no-kill shelter for untamed cats. Donations of bottles and money can be made 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1434 Sabattus St. They can also be mailed to Tommy’s at P.O. Box 274, Greene, ME, 04236.

Tommy’s typically holds a bottle drive each year in conjunction with its annual yard sale. However, lack of funding has forced the organization to host an emergency event, according to the source.

Founded in 1987 by Norm Blais and his partner, Rose Murphy, Tommy’s is named after a feral cat Murphy rescued. Upon discovering the feline sick and dying on the ground, she wrapped him in her jacket and took him to a vet, where he was given a 50/50 chance of survival. Under her care, he recovered and even lived with the pair for a time.

One winter night, Tommy went outside, where he played in the snow and disappeared into the dark. In their search to find him, Blais and Murphy began caring for other feral cats. The partners now build shelters, provide food and water, administer vaccinations and medical treatment, and oversee spaying and neutering. They also offer foster care with rehabilitation and attempt to place the cats with adoptive families after helping them learn socialization and trust.

Sabattus Street Self Storage is part of Midcoast Properties LLC, which operates five additional locations in Maine. The other sites are Boothbay Self Storage in Boothbay, Halls Self Storage in Gloucester and Gray, Livermore Self Storage in Livermore, and Wiscasset Self Storage in Wiscasset.

Sources:
Sun Journal, Bottle Drive to Be Held For Tommy’s Feral Felines
Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends, Website