Wish Lists 2000, Part 1

These next two issues feature the annual “Public Notice Holiday Wish Lists,” the two yearly installments of this happy li’l public service column that just toast our cockles. See, we deal with this community all year long. We aren’t always able to go to the functions and actions on which we report; we aren’t always able to follow up to witness the success. But we do know that year in and year out, Austin has a heart of gold — and you can find some of her most sparkly veins right here.

Sometimes writing about Austin’s public service struggles makes us feel the ups and downs and ins and outs of life — just like George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. We get all Jimmy Stewart, sometimes, frustrated at the thought that we are just one little person: What possible difference could we make in the world? We marvel at the big hearts around us, the hearts that labor day in and day out to make Austin a better and kinder place for all.

We began these Wish Lists some years ago, and we’ve heard word that they do work. Well, not that they work, but that you do. That you, our loyal readers, answer the call and fill the hearts of those around you with your holiday generosity.

Sometimes, however, we think our friends in the public service community just don’t get it. Heck, they could ask for anything — any five things in the world. Look at these lists, and you see not only needs but also humility. The things these groups request are needs. It reminds us of that scene where the market’s crashed and the town comes to withdraw their money from Bailey’s Building & Loan. The town is all a-panic, and George takes his honeymoon money to quell their fears. When it’s Mrs. Davis’ turn in line, after a number of nervous and angry customers have withdrawn their entire accounts, she asks meekly for $17.50.

Just like George, sweet Austin, we kiss your little head. Now go thou and do likewise.

In addition to the following items, all groups desperately need cash, volunteers, and computers or computer upgrades. Call to determine their specific needs.

Institute for Weapon-Free Youth

3160 Bee Caves Rd. #300C, 327-3250

  • Portable TV/VCR combo

  • Video camera and tapes

  • Postage stamps

  • Gift certificates for clothing

  • Fast food restaurant coupons/gift certificates

    Foundation for the Homeless

    PO Box 1862, 78767, 453-6570

  • Diapers, sizes 3, 4, 5 and all sizes of Pull-ups (trainers) are especially needed

  • Bath towels

  • Blankets

  • Diapers, sizes 3, 4, 5 and all sizes of Pull-ups (trainers) are especially needed

  • Art supplies for our children’s program

    We put diapers twice on purpose because it is a huge need, and they are very expensive.

    AIDS Services of Austin

    7215 Cameron, 458-2437 (458-AIDS)

  • Paper shredder

  • Color laser printer/fax machine

  • Seven laser printers for case management

  • 4-6 wooden wall-mounted magazine racks

  • Cargo van equipped with an industrial-strength dolly.

    KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM

    304 E. Fifth St., 472-KOOP

  • Studio chairs and office chair

  • System to enable the recording of programs (radio shows)

  • Lamps or lighting for studio

  • About 900 sq. ft. of carpeting

  • Better visibility for logo neon sign

    Rude Mechanicals, The Off Center

    2211-A Hidalgo, 476-RUDE

  • Power tools

  • Hardware

  • Tools

    Million Mom March — CenTex

    PO Box 4168, Cedar Park, 78630-4168, 259-2767. www.millionmommarch.org

  • Postage

  • General office supplies

  • Catering donation for a benefit concert

  • Printing services

  • Fax machine

    Austin Cinemaker Co-op

    1705 Guadalupe St. #201, 236-8877

    cinemkr@texas.net

  • Old film equipment, especially Super 8 and 8mm cameras and projectors sitting in people’s attics; we’ll use ’em!

  • Old home movies and found footage on Super 8, regular 8mm, and 16mm. We’re creating an archive of local and national home movies. Even if it’s just birthday parties and summer vacations, we want ’em!

  • Stand-up halogen lamps

  • PA system

  • Video projector

    American YouthWorks

    216 E. Fourth, 472-8220

  • Ergonomic office chairs for desks

  • Transferable frequent fliers miles (for staff training)

  • Pickup truck/flatbed trailer

  • Science microscopes

  • Downtown employers to partner with us, using training strategies that result in paying jobs on which our trainees can support a family and grow a career

    Austin Community Gardens

    4814 Sunshine Drive, 458-2009

  • Truck (for hauling compost, soil, plants, etc.)

  • Storage/tool shed

  • Garden tools

  • Copy machine

  • Garden furniture in good shape

    PFLAG-Austin

    Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians & Gays

    PO Box 9151, 78766-915, 302-FLAG (3524)

  • Stamps for mailing 80 monthly newsletters

  • Plastic storage boxes for library and resource materials

  • Access to a copy machine (and paper) to produce newsletter

  • New, weatherproof banner to use in parades and display booths

  • Refreshment supplies for monthly meetings

    Sunrise Neighborhood Youth

    4430 Manchaca, 444-3326

  • Playground equipment

  • Potter’s wheel

  • Craft/hobby materials

  • Portable building

  • Sports equipment

    Austin Zoo

    P.O. Box 91808, 78709, 288-1490

    austinzu@aol.com

  • Building materials

  • Animal food (fruits, veggies, meat, grains, hay)

  • Animal bedding (sand, hay, blankets, etc.)

  • Food containers (buckets, stainless steel bowls, bus tubs)

  • Animal supplies (towels, carriers, leashes, heaters, fans, first aid, etc.)

    People’s Community Clinic

    2909 N. I-35, 478-4939

  • Toaster oven

  • Microwave

  • Desktop photocopier

  • Children’s books

  • Non-plush toys

    YWCA of Greater Austin

    2015 S. I-35 Suite 110, 326-1222

  • 17 key integrated digital phone system

  • Lamps

  • Heavy-duty paper shredder

  • Rolls of postage stamps

  • Pairs of usable upholstered chairs

    Family Eldercare

    2210 Hancock, 450-0844

  • Electric blankets, new, not used, please (for safety)

  • Electric space heaters, new (for safety)

  • Vacuum cleaner

  • Gift certificates to HEB/Wal-Mart

  • Family Eldercare’s Client Emergency Fund

    This article appears in December 22 • 2000.

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