DIXFIELD — For several years, residents of Dixfield and several other area towns have supported the “Christmas for Kitties” appeal. Donations of food, litter and money are collected at two locations in Dixfield: Log Cabin Craftworks and the town office. Benefiting from the collection are the cats, both indoor and feral, who are cared for by Brenda Jarvis and her sister Caddy Smith. 

The funds collected are used for food, general care, heating costs and veterinarian fees for the cats as well as spaying and neutering fees. The appeal was begun in memory of Barbara Thorpe, a Dixfield resident who wanted to help the sisters with their efforts. When she died, they were listed as beneficiaries in her will, but in actuality received little.

Donations may also be mailed to the Town of Dixfield, P.O. Box 808, Dixfield, ME 04224-0808. For more information, call 562-8816.

A local group is also in the process of forming a nonprofit organization to start a program to help with spaying, neutering, caring for feral cats and offering help to seniors who have difficulty in caring for their pets. Those who wish to donate to the cause or for more information on how to help or to become a member of the group, call Becky McDonald at 597-2323.