For three years, 9-year-old Mia Oliveira has collected donations for animals instead of presents at her birthday party in January.

This year, her party will be smaller than in the past, though Mia hopes the community will step forward to help out her favorite animal shelter, Rochester’s It’s All About the Animals.

Mia’s mom Tara, of Mattapoisett, said her daughter decided she wanted a small celebration this year, but was torn by the decision because she may not raise the usual amount of money for the shelter. In 2012, Mia raised $250 and more than 400 donated items, including food, toys, medical supplies, bowls, and brushes from guests and others.

The solution: Tie the shelter donation drive to the “Team Family Ties” fundraiser, which is Tara’s Relay for Life team.

“We’re a fundraising family,” Tara said.

The event, a “holiday marketplace,” will be held Sunday, Nov. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at Marion’s Veterans of Foreign Wars hall, located on Route 6. Proceeds from will go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Mia will have a booth set up where she will sell bracelets that she and two friends made. Money from sales will go to the animal shelter, where she also volunteers one day a week. Mia’s cats – Mittens and Mitsy – were adopted from It’s All About the Animals.

While Mia will collect money and goods on Nov. 17, people may contribute before then. Donations can be dropped off at Hair Unlimited at 45 Pearl St. in Mattapoisett.

For more information on the Relay for Life fundraiser, contact Tara Oliveira at 508-758-2200 or Arat12421@verizon.net.