Cicchelli Second Chance Rescue and Exotics in Lake City have been taking care of animals for seven years. They recently got licensed by the USDA.
“The process was a lot to take in mentally,” said April Cicchelli, co-owner of Second Chance Rescue and Exotics. “It was a lot of late nights where we were out here and a lot of missed dinners as a family to make sure we were prepared for the USDA.”
Most animal rescues apply for a license when they only have a few animals, but Cicchelli’s waited until they had many more.
“We decided to get licensed after we had about 50, and they go through everything head to toe,” said Cicchelli. “Every enclosure, every animal’s diet, all the vet work we do, and when you go through 60 animals instead of two it’s a lot more effort to be put into a license.”
Now that the rescue is licensed, they can hold public events where everyone is welcome. Their first event is Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Toys for Tots.
“It’s a $10 donation entry per family or brand new toy. All the toys we raise will go back to families in need in the local area,” said Cicchelli.
“The larger events draw attention to our cause,” said R.C. Duskin, Major of the Salvation Army. “When we have companies and organizations, they make a big push. It really draws like-minded people together, and we get the word out to get everything we need for the holiday season.”
The Toys for Tots event at Cicchelli Second Chance Rescue and Exotics is sponsored by Next Level Performance, The Truck Stop, Betten Baker of Cadillac, Beeman’s Towing, Big Reds Fitness & Nutrition, and S & R Bounce House and Tent Rental.
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