Rick Kingston, co-founder of Puffy Paws Kitty Haven, hoped to raise money for the care of abandoned cats by selling donated items from a thrift store set up inside a storage unit at U-Store-It, a self-storage facility next to Walmart in Englewood.

But someone complained and Kingston was told: You can't do that here.

Now Puffy Paws needs a new place to accept donated items and legally sell them, Kingston said.

Concerned that someone would be mean-spirited toward a nonprofit, especially in the current economic climate, U-Store-It owner Bob Cheyney said he wants to help.

"He's doing a great thing," Cheyney said. "He's got a great program going. It's sad that somebody out of jealously or something has to file a complaint. Not only are they hurting him. They're hurting me."

Cheyney said he is on the lookout for a more suitable place for the Puffy Paws thrift shop.

The store was set up in a 750-square-foot space with shelves, tables and aisles. It had a loft where items could be stored.

"It was more like a warehouse shop," Kingston said.

On his 10th and last day in business, he said he turned away six customers.

"We needed $100 a day to support the kitties and on Tuesday I made $100 by noon," he said. "I had to leave and when I came back, code enforcement had been by. Someone complained anonymously and said we were operating an illegal thrift store."

Kingston will continue accepting donations at the storage unit at San Casa Drive and Woodgate Court until a more suitable spot is found.

"I guess it's only zoned for storage. It's my mistake," he said. "I should have researched it more carefully. I just got excited that it was right next to Walmart, a great location."

The storage facility has 200 units in four buildings. According to Kingston's lease agreement, he pays $395 per month.

The home for unwanted cats operates at a different location at 270 Lakeview Lane in Englewood.

Last year, the nonprofit raised $36,317 and $35,968 of it went to Puffy Paws, Kingston said.

For information on Puffy Paws Kitty Haven, call 941-623-8904.