BENCHS is celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 2019. 
We are planning many events ​throughout the year and we have a fundraising goal of raising an additional $50,000 to honor our 50 years of helping homeless cats and dogs ​in the Mankato area.

Volunteers Needed

  • GARAGE SALE - Many, many volunteers are needed in order for our garage sale to be successful.  We can find jobs for everyone.  Youth are encouraged to help with their parents or a youth group.  Please see the list of dates, times, and volunteer duties we need to fill.  
  • BOARD MEMBERS - Our Board of Directors is looking for additional members in the following areas:  Treasurer, Volunteers, Events, Buildings/Grounds, and Community Outreach. Click here for additional information about these areas.  
  • DOG WALKERS - The public is invited to walk the dogs at BENCHS every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm.  First time walkers need to complete an orientation at 3:15 pm on their first day.  See the volunteer page for more information. ​

Volunteers: 
​Please Log Your Volunteer Time

Upcoming Events

Kitten Kaboom!!!
  • Adoption Event for kittens! 
  • 50 kittens adopted out in 15 days!!! Learn more. 
Bouncing for BENCHS at Bounce Town
  • Calling all kids!  Time to get moving ~ jumping, twisting, turning and bouncing ~ at Mankato's very own Bounce Town!  
  • Wednesday, July 24th - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • On that day, Bounce Town will donate 10% of sales to help the puppies and kitties at BENCHS. Learn more. 
WowZone Brunch
  • Sunday, July 28 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Come to the WowZone for breakfast and support BENCHS at the same time! Learn more.  
River Valley ABATE Gives Back Ride
  • Drive along on a 130 mile ride, making 5 stops along the way. Prizes at every stop.  Any and all vehicles are welcome to join the ABATE motorcycles!   
  • ​Saturday, August 17 - Registration 10:00 am
  • BENCHS will receive a portion of the registration fees.  Learn more. 
Annual BENCHS Garage Sale
  • Pre-Garage Sale Prep and Donation Collection
    • September 3 - 11
  • Annual Garage Sale
    • September 12, 13, 14, and 15
  • Post-Garage Sale Tear Down
    • September 16 and 17

Ongoing Promotions

  • Membership Drive - Memberships provide a consistent, reliable income stream, which allows us to focus more resources toward adoptions, spays/neuters, medical treatments, and overall animal care. Memberships help make everything we do possible! Sign up today! Here's a link! 
  • Brick and Paver Sales - Looking for a way to honor a special pet, friend, or family member? Our Brick and Paver Program will do just that! After being engraved with your personalized message, the bricks and pavers are permanently placed in a decorative sidewalk or garden area at BENCHS. Here's a link for more information and the paperwork to get started! 

Donations needed...can you help?

KITTEN Food - pate and NO fish/seafood
Clay litter, any brand​, non-clumping preferred
​Cat and kitten toys. 
Also check out our various lists on Amazon. Here is a link to our urgent needs list. 

Garage Sale Donations

It's time to start sorting and boxing your donations for the 2019 BENCHS Garage Sale!  We accept most items, as long as they are in good, working order, but please check the list for items we cannot sell.  Click here for that list. Collection begins Sept. 3 so please hang onto your things until then.  Thanks!  

Adoption Hours

Thursdays 3:00 - 7:00 pm     and     Fridays 3:00 - 7:00 pm
Saturdays 12:00 - 5:00 pm     and     Sundays 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Or email dogs@benchs.org or cats@benchs.org to schedule an appointment at other times.  

Contact us.

1250 North River Drive
​Mankato, MN 56001
Answering Service
507.625.6373