Merced SPCA plans annual fundraiser

Five homes will open their doors to visitors next month in an annual holiday tradition that makes money for the Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The 23rd annual Merced SPCA Christmas Home Tour is noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 13. Tickets are $15.

The five homes on the tour have different decoration themes, from vintage to modern, according to a news release. The tour includes drawings, gift baskets and pictures with Santa.

“We look for homes to feature that decorate for Christmas in special ways so people going on our tour experience something new each year,” coordinator Carole Steinhauer said in the release.

All proceeds from the Christmas Home Tour support the rescue and care of local dogs and cats at Merced SPCA’s no-kill shelter, the release stated.

The organization depends on donations, volunteers and fundraising events to operate. Merced SPCA placed a record number of discarded pets into new homes this year, according to the release.

Tickets are available at Maciel & Co. in Merced Mall; Christina’s Fine Clothing in Bear Creek Galleria; Wash N’ Wag on North Santa Fe Drive; A Blooming Affair Floral on Main Street; and Merced SPCA on East Childs Avenue near the fairground. Expressions of Love Floral on Broadway in Atwater also carries tickets.

For more information, call Steinhauer at 209-723-8953 or the Merced SPCA office at 209-384-7722.

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 4:49 PM with the headline "Merced SPCA plans annual fundraiser."