Mercy University has teamed up with Paws Crossed Animal Rescue to help make life easier for rescued animals.
The rescue’s mission is simple yet powerful: “Rescue one by one until there are none,” as their website notes.
Ayvia Vasquez, a resident assistant at Mercy, is leading the way for the donation drive, gathering much-needed items to support local animals especially as the cold weather sets in.
The goal is to collect blankets, sheets, towels, and other essential items to help keep the pets comfortable in their temporary shelters.
“It’s a chance to support the local animals that don’t have homes during the colder months,” says Vasquez. These donations will go directly to ensure the rescued pets have a safer, warmer place to stay until they can be adopted into their forever homes.
Paws Crossed is a no-kill shelter, which makes this donation drive all the more important. In New York City alone, over 5,000 dogs who entered shelters didn’t make it, according to statistics from Adopt A Pet. Many shelters lack the resources to avoid euthanasia, but Paws Crossed is different. They provide a lifeline for animals who might otherwise not have one. That’s why every donation counts, helping ensure that these animals have a safe space while waiting for adoption.
The Mercy community has already shown support for the drive. “So far I have roughly two boxes filled,” says the RA, though she’s hoping for even more donations.
Items like “hand soap, and laundry detergent” may seem small, but they make a huge difference in helping keep the rescue running smoothly. She points out that even a small donation can go a long way in making sure the shelter has everything it needs to care for the pets in need. 
Vasquez is well known on campus for her involvement in various campus activities, and she’s used her position to spread the word about the drive.
“It’s incredible to witness how quickly everything has come together for our first donation drive for this cause,” she says.
She is impressed by the responses from the Mercy community and is hopeful that with continued support, even more donations will be received before the drive comes to an end.
The donation drive runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 12, so there’s still plenty of time to contribute. Donations can be dropped off at the designated boxes in Founders Hall. Whether it’s basic items every little bit will help make a difference in the lives of these animals as they get through the colder months.
This drive is a perfect example of how simple acts of kindness can have a big impact. By supporting the drive, Mercy students are helping to make sure that rescued animals get the care they deserve. With the drive still going strong, it’s clear that this first donation effort could lead to even more ways to help in the future.
