Wish List
Give 'til it helps: Part 1
By Kate X Messer and Meghan Ruth Speakerman, Fri., Dec. 12, 2008
Dear Austin,
Time to give it up, people. Economy, schmonomy. If you have coin for beer, you have coin for cheer – specifically the helping kind for your sister-brotherman. The end of the year equals natural giving season. Not only is it a natural time for reflection, what with the calendar page-turn and all, but it's also the last gasp before tax time, the last chance to unload and sneak in a li'l tax break come April 15.
And face it. Even in ample Austin, land of condo canyons and high livin', we have friends who are simply doing what they can to get by, who hurt, especially during commerce-happy holidays. Let's remember our neighbors and take a moment to check out these annual wish lists from local public-service groups.
Each year, The Austin Chronicle invites local nonprofits to submit lists of all the things they need to serve our community. Lists are still coming in as we go to press. We edit these lists as space dictates and encourage you to research the details on what specific kinds/brands/sizes of things are needed (especially regarding tech specs). Here's a big hint: They always need your cash and love (i.e., volunteer hours).
So go to it, dear Austin. Go share thine booty, thine plentiful excess, and show these folks how much we appreciate their places in our community and the good they do all year long.
Part 2 runs next week in print, and the overflow and any last-minuters will appear online. (There is still time to submit your list at wishlist@austinchronicle.com.)
Also see "Donate for the Holidays," Food, for more giving opportunities.
ALLGO
701 Tillery, 472-2001.
External hard drive
Laptop computers
LCD projector
DVD player
Flash drives
Folding chairs
Pocket folders
Copier paper
Gift cards (grocery and retail)
Portable flip- chart easel
Digital camera/recorder
Frequent-flyer miles
THE AUSTIN ACADEMY
1640-B E. Second #100, 326-8655.
Cap Metro bus passes ($18)
Coats (all styles, sizes)
$25 H-E-B gift cards
Gas cards
Blankets
AUSTIN GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE
PO Box 339, Manor, TX 78653, 413-0589.
www.austingermanshepherdrescue.org
Boarding facilities gift cards
Local pet-store gift cards
Leashes and collars
Advertising space
Large dog crates
Dog toys
AUSTIN GROUPS FOR THE ELDERLY
3710 Cedar #2, 451-4611.
Senior-friendly games (PC or Wii)
Wii controllers
Digital camera and camcorder
Microphone and amplifier
Arts & crafts supplies
Shower transfer benches
Shower chairs
Wheelchairs
Scooters
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo
Perfume
Socks
Soap
AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
PO Box 13201, 542-0076.
Ink for printer/fax: HP 96 and 97
Desktop PC (Windows XP)
Medium-duty shredder
White copier paper
Digital camera
AUSTIN STATE HOSPITAL
4110 Guadalupe, 452-0381.
Adult and children's books
Bound journals (no wire)
Art supplies and puzzles
Dolls/stuffed animals
Socks and slippers
Hats and gloves
Toiletries
Watches
Wallets
Robes
Clothing
Bedding
BROWN SANTA
15400 Long Vista Dr. #101, 247-2682.
Volunteers to sort, wrap, and deliver
New or gently used toys and books
Nonperishable food items
Puzzles
CAMELOT CARE
1524 S. I-35 #218, 444-0900.
Gift cards (children's clothing stores)
Framed art for the walls
Document frames
Adoptive parents
Foster parents
Kitchen supplies
Office supplies
Couch
CAPITOL SCHOOL OF AUSTIN
2011 W. Koenig, 467-7006.
Plastic storage bins with lids
Gravel for the playground
Plastic flashlights
Beanbag chairs
Play kitchen
FAMILY CONNECTIONS
825 E. 53½, Bldg. E-101, 478-5725.
www.familyconnectionsonline.org
$25 gift cards for H-E-B or Target
New children's books (infant- 8 years)
New children's games (infant- 8 years)
New laptop computers
FAMILY ELDERCARE
2210 Hancock Dr., 450-0844.
Nonperishable food items (granola bars, soups/stews with pull tabs, dried fruits, peanut butter/cheese cracker packs, nuts, tea bags, instant cocoa)
Caps, hats, scarves, and gloves
New blankets (twin)
Toiletries
Sweat suits
FLORENCE'S COMFORT HOUSE
515 Kemp, 385-8672.
Blankets, sleeping bags
Dog and cat food
Craft supplies
Costume jewelry
Kid/baby clothes
Gift cards
Huggies
Towels
TV
GREENBRIAR SCHOOL/MARSALOM
1411 Old Sayers Rd., Bastrop, 512/281-2661.
Solar panels and installation
15-40 gallon propane tanks
200-plus gallon water tanks
General school supplies
Rakes, brooms, shovels
Lumber, plywood
Computer parts
Art supplies
Tractor
Computer
HELPING THE AGING, NEEDY, AND DISABLED
2200 E. MLK Jr., 477-3796.
Shampoo, conditioner, and bar soap
Nonperishable food items
Pillows and blankets
Gift cards to H-E-B
Pies and cookies
Cleaning supplies
Vacuum cleaners
Plastic tumblers
Batteries AA/AAA
Flashlights
Kitchen towels
Bath towels
Plastic plates
Paper goods
HOPE ALLIANCE
1011 Gattis School Rd. #106, Round Rock, 512/255-1212.
Food items
Gift cards
Gifts
HOSPICE AUSTIN
4107 Spicewood Springs Rd. #100, 342-4700.
Lock boxes (for patient's homes)
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Gift cards (H-E-B, Target)
Ensure and Boost
Peanut butter
Canned goods
Space heaters
CDs (soothing music)
Boardgames and cards
Children's grief books
DVDs (family-friendly)
Art supplies
Backpacks
HOUSE THE HOMELESS
PO Box 2312, 796-4366.
New thermal underwear (for annual Thermal Underwear Drive)
Cash: $10 equals a full set of cold-deflecting thermals; $25 equals thermals, a hat, socks, and gloves
AUSTIN HUMANE SOCIETY
124 W. Anderson, 646-7387.
High-quality canned cat, kitten, dog, and puppy food
Blankets (without stuffing)
Nonclumping cat litter
Towels (small to large)
Digital thermometers
Toys and treats
Rubbing alcohol
Heating pads
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Ziploc bags
Gift cards
INSIDE BOOKS PROJECT
827 W. 12th, 647-4803.
English and English-Spanish dictionaries
Black/African-American studies books
Gift cards for photocopy services
Clear packing tape
Books in Spanish
GED study books
Large envelopes
Postage stamps
THE LOVE OF FOOD FEEDS THE HOMELESS
401 Orchard, 476-2880.
Cans of cream of mushroom soup
Hot-chocolate mix (big containers)
8-ounce Styrofoam containers with lids
6-ounce Styrofoam cups with lids
Plastic spoons or forks
16-ounce bottles of water
Rice and noodles
MEALS ON WHEELS AND MORE
3227 E. Fifth, 476-6325.
Household and toiletry items (dish soap, laundry soap, cleaners, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.)
Pet food (any kind for dogs and cats)
New heaters (with safety shutoff)
Stationary, envelopes, stamps
Gift cards (H-E-B and Target)
Nonperishable food items
Socks and slippers
New blankets
Ensure
MIDNIGHT OWL COLLECTIVE
947-5712.
Bike tools/stands
Cargo trailers
Folding tables
Bikes
MONKEYWRENCH BOOKS
110 E. North Loop, 407-6925.
All-in-one printer/copier/fax
Fold-out chairs
Radical books
Computer
NUBIAN QUEEN LOLA'S CAJUN SOUL FOOD KITCHEN
1815 Rosewood, 474-5652.
Ingredients that can be used for her menu to feed the homeless on Sundays
Nonperishable foods
Microphone and amplifier
Blankets
Clothing
OUT YOUTH
909 E. 49½, 419-1233.
Wii
Van
Gift cards
Bus passes
Small PA system
Karaoke machine
Remodeled kitchen
Handheld bar-code scanner
PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC
2909 N. I-35, 478-4939.
Gently used children's books for the patient waiting room
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
201 E. Ben White, 276-8000.
Clear plastic bins and rolling suitcase
Coffeetable books (Spanish and English)
Magazine subscriptions
Children's playscape
Children's books
PROJECT TRANSITIONS
7101-B Woodrow, 454-8646.
Extra-long fitted twin sheets
Liquid laundry detergent
Industrial vacuum cleaner
Carpet steam cleaner
Gift cards for H-E-B
Christmas lights
Air fresheners
Nail clippers
Toothbrushes
Ensure/Boost
Tupperware
Towels
TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT
1405 Montopolis, 474-5073.
www.texascivilrightsproject.org
Administrative assistance
Locking file cabinets
Office supplies
Phone headsets
Laser printer
Fax machine
Laptops
TEXAS HEARING AND SERVICE DOGS
4803 Rutherglen, 891-9090, 877/TEX-DOGS.
Gifts cards for gas, office supplies, pet supplies, and general merchandise
Dog crates (various sizes)
Gas-powered weed-eater
Blankets and towels
Laser printers
Blocks of cheese
Peanut butter
Hot dogs
Copier
TREASURE CITY THRIFT
1720 E. 12th, 524-2820.
Point-of-sale system for a Mac computer
Good quality furniture for resale
Skilled volunteers for projects
Tape (masking, packing, Scotch)
Business-card printing
Pest-control services
Copying services
PA system
Keyboard
Sharpies
VENTANA DEL SOUL
1834 E. Oltorf, 707-7447.
Commercial kitchen equipment, tables, and cookware
Restaurant plates, glass- and flatware
Restaurant tables and chairs
Patio tables and chairs
White Christmas-tree lights
Commercial ice-maker
Upright freezer
Elevator
YELLOW BIKE PROJECT
2013 E. 51st, 457-9880.
Professionals: licensed plumbers, electricians, and contractors for new HQ
Professional accountant to file 990
Laptop with wireless card
Heavy-duty extension cord
Outdoor work lights
Surge protectors
Outdoor heaters
More bike riders
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