As autumn’s breeze slowly turns into winter’s chill, this week brought CARE STL’s Fall in Love Adoption Event.
CARE STL (Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis) is the city’s official animal shelter partner and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides medical care, protection, and adoption services mainly for dogs and cats—though over the years they have also taken in chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, and even bats.
Witnessing the moment when a small life meets a new family always lights a quiet warmth in my heart.
For many years I have supported CARE STL and several local rescues as a foster and volunteer.
This year is also the first for my nonprofit, the Japanese Institute of St. Louis (JIOSTL). I ho pe to expand support not only as an individual but as an organization that connects community and culture.
In hospice volunteering, cooking and baking are not possible due to dietary restrictions and safety considerations for patients. That’s why baking “for someone” again felt special—I baked with gratitude for the staff and volunteers who stand out in the cold to help. I also shared some with my wonderful neighbors in our dog-and-cat community.
All proceeds from today’s bake sale will be donated to CARE STL.
Please stop by the FALL IN LOVE Adoption Event
Location: CARE STL | 2700 Walnut Place, St. Louis, MO
Dates: November 7–9, 1–5 PM
There will be face painting, cocoa, raffles, and more.
Allergen Information
1) Gingerbread Cake + Cream Cheese Frosting
Flour (unbleached)
Sugar
Molasses powder
Ground nutmeg
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Ground clove
Black pepper (a small amount)
Salt
Ground vanilla bean
Eggs
Water
Butter
Cream cheese
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground nutmeg
Mexican chocolate
2) Japanese Sweet Milk “Cat Paw” Bread
Bread flour
Cake flour
Sugar
Salt
Dry yeast
Water
Butter
Butter
Granulated sugar
Condensed milk
Sip N Shop (12/13 Holiday Shop)
We are collecting holiday décor donations to decorate the venue for Holiday Sip & Shop on 12/13 (Sat). If, while pulling out your Christmas decorations, you find items you no longer use, please consider giving them a second life with CARE STL.
Drop-off location: CARE STL
Address: 2700 Walnut Place, St. Louis, MO 63103
Please bring donations during open hours. Check Google for the latest hours.
Winter can be very harsh for animals. CARE STL often runs out of kennel space and must place kennels outside. If you are considering volunteering, adopting, fostering, or serving as a weekend foster, please apply. Even short-term help makes a direct difference—your kindness can save a life.
The Sip & Shop event returns next month. (Photos shown are from last year.)
Sip N Shop is CARE STL’s annual holiday fundraising event, raising support for medical care, protection, and adoption. The evening features large sponsors and local artisan vendors, live music, food and cocktails, photos with Santa, a silent auction, and raffles. It’s a warm community event where shopping and conversation become direct support for animals.
This year’s Sip & Shop will be held on Saturday, December 13. Tickets will be available via GiveButter (details coming soon).
Every year there is a Volunteer Craft Table featuring handmade items by CARE volunteers and friends. Last year we offered ornaments, blankets, pillows, knit and crochet pieces, jewelry, and pet fashion items, raising over $1,300 for CARE STL. I have typically contributed through this table, but this year—because I established JIOSTL—I will host a separate booth. Next week, a friend will teach me how to make handmade dog outfits.
If you are good at crafting, want to try, or have items ready to donate, please contact CARE STL or our organization. What you make with love directly supports animal care. We also welcome help with setup, staffing, and breakdown on the event day.
Sip N Shop gathers people who share a simple wish: to give animals a warm winter. Thank you for supporting us again this year.
Chiren
President, Japanese Institute of St. Louis
http://jiostl.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jiostl
@JIOSTL
https://www.facebook.com/JIOSTL