Shop for a Cause is a chance for small businesses in Downtown Ames to partner with a non-profit organization. This year, it will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. There will also be free parking available on Main Street.

“Businesses are asked to let a non-profit organization table in their business for the day,” said Sarah Dvorsky, executive director of Ames Main Street and affiliate programming. “There is no expectation or requirement for a donation, but some businesses have offered to do so.”

Most businesses pair with non-profits themselves, but some are paired by the city. Shop for a Cause is a way for the city to raise awareness for these organizations.

Treats on a Leash, an animal supply store, will be donating a portion of sales to Ames Animal Shelter.

“We chose the Ames Animal Shelter for a variety of reasons, [like] the work they do to protect and care for stray animals, serving as a place for people to adopt a pet and being a resource for other animal-based organizations,” said Barb Morris, co-owner of Treats on a Leash.

Duck Worth Wearing and Dog-Eared Books are partnering with Raising Readers, donating ten percent of sales from Duck Worth Wearing, and Dog-Eared Books has 25% off books donated. Raising Readers aims to help build skills in literacy and language.

The Loft Resale is partnering up with Good Neighbor, donating 10% of all sales. Good Neighbor provides emergency assistance to Story County residents, including food, gas, rent and utilities.

Great Harvest Bakery will be hosting a petting zoo of farm animals from Cultivating Hope Farms. This non-profit supports the well-being of disabled individuals with farm care.

Gilger Designs and Z.W. Mercantile are partnering with The Bridge Home, which offers shelter to those who are facing homelessness. At Z.W. Mercantile, $5 and $10 wellness kits are available for purchase for residents of The Bridge Home.

PhotoSynthesis photography shop will be partnering with Octagon Center for the Arts, which provides art classes and exhibits. For $3, attendees can make their own hot pad to take home.

Pumpkin Patch, a children’s toy store, is partnering with the HAMO Foundation. There will be a storytime, activity and representative from Here to Hear You and MoveMindfully. The HAMO Foundation strives to raise awareness of mental health.

Life Distilled, an apothecary shop, is hosting YSS and a Giving Tree. Attendees can take a tag from the tree with an item to buy for a child in need of support.

Cooks’ Emporium will be accepting three non-perishable items for $5 off to support Mid-Iowa Community Action. This non-profit aims to eliminate poverty in the community by offering support to those in need.

Moorman Clothiers is partnering with Friendship Ark with 10% of sales being donated. Friendship Ark offers shelter and community service to adults with disabilities.