The mission of SICSA (Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals) is to promote the welfare of dogs and cats and to nurture the human/animal bond.

The private non-profit organization relies solely on private donations and since 1974 has been dedicated to helping the homeless, stray and unwanted animals throughout the Miami Valley — more than 1,300 annually.

SICSA, which has opened a new north location temporarily housed in the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, offers numerous animal-centered programs and service including pet adoptions, pet therapy, humane education and spay/neuter assistance.

“SICSA has been successful in doubling our adoptions in August and September compared to last year; with over 400 adoptions in eight weeks,” said Nora Vondrell, SICSA’s Executive Director. “We have also exceeded 1,700 pet sterilizations for the public this year.”

Here’s what they need:

• Hot Dogs to give to dogs for positive rewards
• Medium-large Kong toys, to use when feeding dogs
• Still serviceable medical supplies such as gauze, surgical gowns and gloves
• Gas card for SICSA van
• Bleach
• Postage stamps
• Staples/Office Depot gift cards for office supplies
• Newspapers which can be dropped off anytime in SICSA’s back parking lot newspaper bin.
• Aluminum pop cans which can be dropped off anytime in SICSA’s back parking lot in the can bin.
• Donations can be dropped off at SICSA from noon to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The address is 2600 Wilmington Pike, Kettering.

You can also help the organization in other ways: by hosting a birthday party at SICSA, by donating a car to the organization and by liking their Facebook page to help them win the ASPCA Challenge’s Community Engagement Award of $25,000.

You can also sponsor a Classroom Paw-Pack to Go for $100. The idea is that SICSA takes puppies or kittens to classrooms in the area and deliver a paw-pack of humane education materials for the classroom to keep.

The group’s next major event is “The Night To Remember” on Sunday, Dec. 2, which remembers and honors pets and loved ones through holiday lights. The evening includes a tree-lighting, blessing of the pets and open house. Dogs are welcome. A holiday light in honor or memory of a loved one or pet can be ordered through the website.

For more information about programs and services, visit SICSA’s website www.sicsa.org or call (937) 294-6505.