GRAND LEDGE, Mich. — A Grand Ledge farm sanctuary that cares for older and disabled farm animals is facing seasonal challenges and needs community support to continue its mission.
- The sanctuary loses 30% of its volunteer base during winter months when students return to school
- Nearly 100 volunteers currently help care for rescued farm animals that would otherwise be euthanized
- Christmas tree donations are needed to feed goats and sheep as an eco-friendly disposal alternative
Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary, which rescues farm animals that would otherwise be euthanized, relies on just under 100 volunteers to care for its residents. However, winter brings staffing difficulties that impact daily operations.
WATCH: Grand Ledge farm sanctuary seeks winter volunteers and tree donations
"We have 30% of our volunteers as students so we lose 30% of our volunteer base and that impacts us negatively, so we'd like to increase our volunteer base with people who are non-students to get through the low times," Bob Worthy, director of Mitten Misfits, said.
The sanctuary welcomes new volunteers regardless of experience level. Volunteer Ricky Valles Jr. encourages community members to get involved.
"Come on down we'll find a spot for you, It doesn't have to be with the animals, if you're scared we'll show you how," Valles said.
Beyond volunteer support, the sanctuary has a unique post-holiday request: donations of real Christmas trees for the goats and sheep.
"It's a lot better of a way to repurpose your tree rather than a land fill," Worthy said.
The sanctuary offers volunteer orientations for those interested in helping with animal care and facility maintenance throughout the winter months.
TREE DONATIONS DROP OFFS AND VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Want more FOX 47 News? Here's how you download our Roku app
You can also see the latest news from across our mid-Michigan neighborhoods by liking us on Facebook or following us on X.
