T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Candace Fleagane, director of Belmont County Cat Stray Shun, holds Roxy, a 6- or 7-week old kitten that was recently rescued, while sitting in front of an array of items that will be sold during a fundraising event set for 1-7 p.m. Friday at the center court area of the Ohio Valley Mall. The event is being held to garner money for the medical care of Roxy and her litter mates, who are suffering from severe eye infections and will require surgery.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Cat Stray Shun is hoping to raise some money through a fundraising event next week to support medical bills for a handful of neglected kittens recently taken into the group’s care.

The fundraiser is set for 1-7 p.m. Friday at the center court area of the Ohio Valley Mall.

Candace Fleagane, director of the organization that assists the county with the care and control of cats, said the group will be selling Christmas ornaments and decor to support the medical care of six kittens that are suffering from severe eye issues. She said the kittens, which are scheduled to have surgery for eye removal in the coming weeks, were taken in last weekend from a neglect situation in Bellaire.

“They are only around 6-7 weeks old,” she said, adding that the kittens are on numerous medications to treat a variety of issues. “I’m giving them medication every four hours until they’re big enough to do the surgery.”

Fleagane held one of the kittens — a little female named Roxy with a noticeable ulcer in her right eye — and said she wanted to bring one of the kittens to show people what can happen if an infection is left untreated.

Roxy must now undergo surgery to remove her eye once she reaches 2 pounds — the required weight a cat must be before being able to be put under sedation for an operation. She noted that the other kittens are in a similar condition.

In addition to the ornaments, the organization will be selling wreaths, trees, dolls and other decor items. There will also be drawings available for those interested.

“There will be a lot of stuff there that people can buy for just $1, and that money all goes to help the kittens. We have four more kittens that have to have their eyes removed. It’s been a bad situation. That surgery is very expensive, so we’re trying to raise extra money,” she said.

Each purchase comes with a card that states, “This purchase helps our kittens receive the surgery they so desperately need.”

Fleagane said the medical care and surgeries most likely will cost between $2,000 and $3,000 each. The organization does not receive any government funding and relies solely on community donations.

“We are responsible for the veterinary bill and care of every cat that enters the Belmont County Animal Shelter,” she said. “We deeply appreciate everyone’s support in this endeavor because it’s going to take a lot of money. We didn’t want to just put them to sleep, we wanted to give them a chance. Anyone that wants to help Roxy and her friends can come out to the fundraiser.”

Fleagane said they conducted a similar fundraiser a few years ago when they had rescued horses that were in need of medical treatment. She said the items up for sale are great for Christmas gifts, or to provide a purchase or donation in someone’s name as a gift.

“People that are hard to buy for Christmas and they already have everything, this is something nice you could do. If someone were to do it for me, I know I’d appreciate it. Buy a couple of ornaments and honor the kitties in lieu of a Christmas present,” she said.

“Donate in someone’s name as a gift.”

Those wishing to make a donation to support the organization can also do so by mailing checks to Belmont County Cat Stray Shun at P.O. Box 207, Morristown, Ohio 43759; or by paypal at candicefleagane@yahoo.com.

“Every little bit helps,” she said.