The Giving Season
A Charity Wish List
Compiled by Rachel Birdsell
TFW Contributing Writer
If you’re like me, there are a lot of people on your holiday list who are difficult to buy for, either because they have everything, or when asked what they’d like, respond with “nothing”. Donating to a charity in their name is a perfect gift for any of the above. It satisfies your need to give them a gift; it satisfies their need for not having another tchotchke cluttering their house; and most importantly, it satisfies the needs of the benefiting organizations.
You may already have a charity of choice that you give to, and that’s fantastic. Some of you may not know where to start, though. Here is a list of local organizations that will have you checking off your “hard to buy for list” in no time.
If you’d prefer to find a charity on your own, the Arkansas Attorney General’s office is a good place to start. There is a database of registered Arkansas charities on the AG’s website ag.arkansas.gov.
EOA Children’s House
EOA Children’s House helps abused children heal through extended care and family support in a safe, homelike setting. Their needs are: Care package items include: cereal, canned vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, bread, beans, and juice; paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, bath soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Other needs include: Gas cards so buses can provide daily transportation to/from the center for the children; 2 digital cameras to document classroom activities and life achievements for each child’s scrapbook; cold weather/rain boots for children ages 18 months – 5 years (please call (479) 927-1232 for gender and sizes); diapers for ages 18-30 months; 4 upright vacuum cleaners for each wing of the new Pat Walker Center for Children; high-efficiency laundry detergent; and new or gently used children’s books (age 18 months – 5 years). A full list of current needs can be found at ChildrensHouseNWA.org
Ozark Folkways
Ozark Folkways supports and helps to preserve the crafting ways and art expressions of the Ozarks region. They would like to have a golf cart in great running condition from Santa this year. It would help them get around the campus, and help elderly visitors, when they visit the center. Contact Rebecca Buchannan 634-3791 or director@folkways.arcoxmail.com. Website: ozarkfolkways.com
The NWA Food Bank
It is the goal of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to make sure that all who are facing or experiencing hunger have access to nutritious food. The food bank needs non-perishable food items, i.e. canned meat, canned vegetables, fruit cups, macaroni & cheese, cereal, dry beans, rice, boxed dinners, peanut butter, and dry milk powder. Volunteers are always needed. Contact Ross Trotter 872-8774 or ross.trotter@nwafoodbank.org. Website: nwafoodbank.org
Life Styles, Inc.
LifeStyles helps people with disabilities achieve the skills and confidence they need to live in the community as independently as possible. Their needs are: Scent-free personal items for the clients: laundry soap, body soap, shampoo, dish soap; cleaning supplies: Pine Sol, Pledge, multi-purpose cleaner; Art class supplies: fine art brushes, acrylic paint( black, true blue, red, yellow, purple, green), water colors, matte medium, canvas large frames; Sewing class supplies: sewing needles, tapestry needles, straight pins, fiberfill, batting, yardage of fabric (solid neutral colors), sewing thread, embroidery thread; Beading class supplies: tiger tail wire for jewelry making, glass beads, 4 – left handed scissors, all kinds of sharpie pens ( thick, thin) all colors, black; Classroom Materials: dry erase markers, notebook paper, pens/pencils; Kitchen Supplies: baking dishes, storage containers, baking sheets, industrial coffee pot; Entertainment: pool table; Office Supplies: medium size luggage on wheels, 4 pedestal magnetic letter boards; Misc: golf cart (battery operated) Contact Jolana Aibangbee 521-3581 or jaibangbee@lifestylesinc.org. Website: lifestylesinc.org/
NWA CASA
The Mission of CASA of Northwest Arkansas, Inc. is to speak for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court. They promote and support quality volunteer representation for children to provide each child a safe nurturing home. Their need this year is for volunteers. Contact Crystal Vickmark 725-2213 or crystal@nwacasa.org. Website: nwacasa.org
Elizabeth Richardson Center
The Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) has been serving the needs of individuals with disabilities in Northwest Arkansas since 1963. They operate a total of four Child Development Centers in Fayetteville, Springdale, Farmington and Siloam Springs that serve the needs of children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Their wish list includes: Any color of garland and small ornaments for any occasion (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Wedding, etc.) Carpet samples to be used in the sensory room, a cash register to be used for job skills training, an iPad, pop-up play tents, small storage sheds for outdoor play equipment, Lowe’s or Home Depot gift cards for maintenance needs, microwaves, digital video camera, infant formula, Stage 1 and Stage 2 baby foods. Contact Kate Lunsford 872-1800 or klunsford@ercinc.org. Website: ercinc.org
ESSA
ESSA offers workshops in arts and crafts throughout the year for interested, emerging and professional artists. At the top of their wish list is a more updated copy machine, new computers, updated Excel programs and easels for workshops. Volunteer assistance with lawn care in the spring and summer would also be appreciated. Contact Sabrina Miller esartschool@gmail.com. Website: essa-art.com
Youth Bridge
Youth Bridge provides comprehensive care to troubled teens and their families. Their needs this year are: School, office and art supplies, housewares (plates, glassware, dish towels, cooking and eating utensils, etc.), cleaning and laundry supplies and products (detergent, mops, brooms, etc.), bath towel sets, bedding, throw rugs, and decorative pillows. Clothing for interviews, undergarments, shoes, socks, hoodies, sweaters (neutral colors, all sizes boys and girls), men’s belts, large and extra-large jackets, baby clothing and diapers, hygiene products (hair care products, deodorant, etc.), make-up, and haircuts. Board games, recreational and exercise equipment, gift cards for outings, recreational activities and events. Contact Nancy Hairston nhairston@youthbridge.com. Website: youthbridge.com
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a housing ministry that provides homes for qualified low-income families. They’re asking Santa for appliances and lumber for ReStore merchandise. They also need: Office computers (desktops and laptops), Adobe Photoshop software, Tractor (35hp minimum) with box blade, Heavy Duty 4WD truck. Volunteers are needed for the ReStore. Contact Judy Davis: judy@habitat.arcoxmail.com. Website: http://habitatwashco.org
Fayetteville Animal Shelter
The animal shelter has the following on their wish list: paper towels, bleach, liquid laundry detergent, sponges, dish soap, window cleaner, trash bags, hand sanitizer, towels, toys for dogs & cats, treats for dogs & cats, canned food, blankets, new plastic or wire shelves, video baby monitor (helps with temperament testing), industrial steam cleaner. They can always use volunteers. Contact Justine Middleton 444-3455 or jmiddleton@ci.fayetteville.ar.us.
Quality Life Associates
Quality Life Associates’ services allow individuals with disabilities to move toward independent living through educational opportunities, residential care supports, and life-enriching experiences. Their organization needs books suitable for the elderly – fictional novels, classics, romance, mystery, etc. Contact Caleb Taylor 571-4455 or coord.qla@gmail.com. Website: qualitylifeassociates.com
