Happy Little Rescue Seeks Volunteers, Donations, and Support This Weekend in Mesa County

Happy Little Rescue has urgent, short-notice openings for volunteers across four events from Saturday through Monday — and a growing list of donation and project needs.

Happy Little Rescue is a Grand Junction nonprofit animal rescue and sanctuary located at 2527 W. Pinyon Ave. This weekend, the organization has several volunteer slots that opened up on short notice and needs community members to step in quickly. If you have a few hours free on Saturday or Monday, your help is needed now.

This Weekend's Volunteer Needs

Happy Little Rescue has four specific openings between Saturday, April 4, and Monday, April 6. These are time-sensitive — slots are limited and the organization is reaching out directly to the community to fill them.

Saturday — Happy Little Finds Thrift Shop (10 AM to 12 PM) Happy Little Finds is the rescue's on-site charity thrift shop. Volunteers are needed Saturday morning to help with operations. The shop supports the rescue's ongoing work, so every hour here has a direct impact.

Saturday — Front Desk and Visitor Support at the Rescue (3 PM to 5 PM) The rescue needs someone to handle front desk duties and welcome visitors on Saturday afternoon. This is a good fit for anyone comfortable greeting people and helping manage foot traffic at the facility.

Saturday — Carboy Winery Event in Palisade (Arrive 12:30 PM, Event 1–4 PM, Stay Until 4:30 PM) Happy Little Rescue is participating in an event at Carboy Winery in Palisade on Saturday. Volunteers should plan to arrive by 12:30 PM, support the event from 1 to 4 PM, and stay through cleanup until 4:30 PM. This is a community-facing opportunity to represent the rescue and connect with potential adopters and supporters.

Monday — Coffee for a Cause at The Human Bean, Grand Junction (11 AM to 1 PM) On the first Monday of each month, both the Clifton and Grand Junction locations of The Human Bean donate $1 from every drink sold to Happy Little Rescue. Volunteers are needed Monday, April 6, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Grand Junction location to staff a pop-up meet-and-greet. This is a low-key, public-facing shift — a good entry point for first-time volunteers.

To sign up for any of these shifts, contact the rescue at hello@happylittlerescue.com or call/text 970-424-8224.

Transportation Needed

In addition to the event shifts, Happy Little Rescue needs one-time help from someone with a truck. The task involves running a couple of errands: a recycling drop-off and passing along some donations. If you have a truck and a few hours to spare, reach out at hello@happylittlerescue.com or 970-424-8224.

Most-Needed Donations

The rescue is currently running low on a few specific items. If you can drop something off or order online, their current priorities are:

Soft treats
Tough, durable toys

Their full Amazon Wish List is updated regularly and covers a range of needs at various price points. Items can be shipped directly to the rescue.

Building and Project Needs

Happy Little Rescue is also looking for help — or donated materials — for several facility projects:

Drywall for a ceiling in the barn
Spray foam insulation
ADA-compliant toilet
36-inch framed indoor door (for the ADA bathroom)

If you work in construction, have leftover materials, or know someone who can help, contact the rescue directly.

April events supporting Happy Little Rescue

In addition to this weekend’s urgent volunteer needs, Happy Little Rescue is part of a full lineup of community events across Grand Junction and the surrounding area throughout April. These events offer additional ways to meet adoptable animals, connect with the rescue, and support their work.

Friday, April 3 — Easter Egg Hunt at Grand Villa

📍 2680 N 15th Street, Grand Junction
🕒 3 to 4:30 PM

This family-friendly event includes an egg hunt along with activities like a horse and dog kissing booth, face painting, and games.

Saturdays, April 4, 11, and 25 — Sidewalk Saturdays at Hog & the Hen

📍 510 Main Street, Grand Junction
🕚 11 AM to 2 PM

Recurring pop-up events in downtown Grand Junction featuring local vendors and opportunities to connect with the rescue.

Saturday, April 4 — Easter Eggstravaganza at Carboy Winery

📍 3572 G Road, Palisade
🕐 1 to 4 PM

This larger Easter-themed event includes an appearance from the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, and cookie decorating. Happy Little Rescue will be on-site engaging with the community.

Monday, April 6 — Coffee for a Cause at The Human Bean

📍 2501 North Avenue, Grand Junction
🕚 11 AM to 1 PM

Both Clifton and Grand Junction locations donate $1 from every drink sold to Happy Little Rescue. The Grand Junction location will also host an adoption meet-and-greet during this time.

Saturday, April 11 — Second Saturday Adoption Event

📍 Base Camp Beer Works
📍 2575 Highway 6 & 50, Grand Junction
🕛 12 to 3 PM

Meet adoptable dogs in a relaxed setting and learn more about fostering and adoption opportunities.

Saturday, April 25 — Crafter’s Crusade Craft Fair

📍 Redlands Community Center, Grand Junction
🕙 10 AM to 1 PM

A showcase of local artisans and crafts, with opportunities to support community organizations including Happy Little Rescue.

About Happy Little Rescue

Happy Little Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue and sanctuary operating in Grand Junction. On any given day, the facility is home to more than 50 adoptable pets. The organization pulls dogs from overcrowded shelters across the country and provides individualized care, daily socialization, and an enriched environment while animals wait for permanent homes.

The rescue is a partner of Best Friends Animal Society, one of the country's largest no-kill animal welfare organizations. In addition to its adoption program, Happy Little Rescue runs a sanctuary for animals who cannot transition to traditional home life — providing a permanent, supported environment for those animals.

The facility also functions as a daycare for dogs previously adopted through the rescue. Staff work alongside local veterinarians and canine behaviorists to develop care plans suited to each animal's needs. The philosophy is straightforward: every animal gets attention, structure, and room to be itself.

Get Involved Year-Round

Volunteers are welcome any day of the week from 7 AM to 6 PM — walk-ins are welcome, and the team will match you with a dog based on your schedule and interests. Activities include hiking, biking, brewery outings, and overnight sleepovers with a dog.

Adoption and foster applications are open. Meet-and-greet appointments are available Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM — text 970-424-8224 to schedule.