PARIS – A Chinese auction this evening will benefit stray or abandoned animals while also supporting Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills.

The 11-year-old organization is hoping to raise at least $6,000 with the event.

“It takes about $6,000 for us to run the shelter – that’s per month,” Pam Brown, vice president of the Responsible Pet Care’s board of directors, said Friday.

The money covers the salaries of five part-time employees, vaccinations, medicines and neuterings, she said. It also pays for food, litter and detergent.

The Chinese auction will begin at 5 p.m. at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Bids will be accepted until 6:30 p.m.

The shelter, Brown said, is cleaned every day, and that includes about nine loads of laundry as the animals’ bedding and other materials are washed.

Responsible Pet Care takes in an average of 400 cats each year, Brown said. About 98 percent of those animals are adopted.

And while the building is always at maximum capacity with 85 cats under its roof, there is a no-kill policy. Animals are kept until they are adopted.

The organization does not take dogs, but both the paid and volunteer staff members work closely with regional shelters to help connect prospective dog owners with their new pets. They also help people find lost pets.

Items that have been donated for Saturday’s auction include a Subway sandwich platter, gifts and collectibles, Tom Jordan jewelry, a gift certificate to Perhams of Maine and also 100 gallons of oil from Dead River Co.

“The donations are still coming in,” Brown added, commenting on the incredible generosity of area individuals and businesses.

It takes a lot of work to put on fundraising events for the shelter each month, she acknowledged, adding that the shelter would be open to any new fundraising ideas.

Also, Brown said, there is a continual need for volunteers. People interested in office work, cleaning or even just spending some time with the cats in the shelter are welcome to contact the office at 743-8679.

The Chinese auction will begin at 5 p.m. at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Bids will be accepted until 6:30 p.m.