This week we are featuring five outstanding non-profit organizations in Avon Lake. Know an organization that needs to be recognized? Mention them in the comments section. Feeling fortunate? Want to help out? All of the organizations are seeking members and volunteers. Click on the links for more information.

• Good Neighbor Thrift Shop – This shop, next to Fratellos is a non-profit mission program of the Avon Lake United Church of Christ.
 The Thrift Shop offers affordable, quality resale merchandise to shoppers. Proceeds support both local and global missions. 
• Community Resource Services – Commonly known as “CRS,” Community Resource Services serves the needy in Avon and Avon Lake. It also acts as the local branch of the Salvation Army, providing residents with food and assistance with bills for basic necessities.
• Avon Lake Kiwanis – This organization’s motto is “Serving the children of the world, one child, one community at a time.” The club meets at the Avon Lake Public Library on Thursdays, offers scholarships and often contributes time to community projects. Major projects in Avon Lake include Safety Town. Members recently donated time to Folger Home renovations.   
• Avon/Avon Lake Rotary Club – This branch of Rotary International serves Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake and Sheffield Village. The club is comprised of civic minded-business people opportunities to donate time and money to community service projects that help local community needs as well as global opportunities. The club’s motto is "Service Above Self." 

• Love-A-Stray – This Avon Lake-based no-kill animal rescue organization takes in and helps place abandoned cats and dogs. Avon Lake Patch features a Love-A-Stray “Pet of the Week,” helping to match families or individuals with cats and dogs that need a home. They are currently trying to place a cat and dog rescued together in the same home.