Holiday Wish Lists 2006
Give 'til it helps: Part 1
Fri., Dec. 15, 2006
Before we get too wrapped up in all the holiday folderol, tripping the trails – and neighborhoods – of lights fantastic, schlucking down nog, and scarfin' down the figgy-p, let's take a moment to peruse these annual wish lists from local public-service groups. Not everyone, we are reminded, is blessed with a case of affluenza.
We invited local nonprofits to ask for all the things they need to be able to serve our community with the impact they have. Lists are still coming in as we go to press. As always, we have edited these lists as space dictates, and we encourage you to call your intended benefactee(s) for the details on what specifics kinds/brands/sizes of things they need. Here's a big hint: They always need your cash and love (i.e., volunteer hours).
So have at it, Austin. Go share our bounty, and show them all how much we appreciate their place in our community and the good they do all year long.
Part 2 runs next week in print, and the overflow and any last-minute Suzies will appear online.
– Kate X Messer; list compiled by X, Meghan Ruth Speakerman, and Richard Whittaker
ADAPT OF TEXAS (AMERICAN DISABLED FOR ATTENDANT PROGRAMS TODAY)
1339 Lamar Square Dr. #101, 442-0252. www.adaptoftexas.org
Volunteer direction and assistance in organizing and archiving 21 years' worth of video and pictures for future activists concerning disability rights
Help converting said media to DVD before these images are lost
Photo albums to keep 21 years of historic photos intact
Laminating machine
AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS
2218 Pershing, 928-4271. www.centex.redcross.org
Gas gift cards (for client use)
Office space in Williamson County
Storage space in Travis County
Floor jack for warehouse
Four dollies for warehouse
24-foot extension ladder
19-inch television (new or used)
Color printer (new or used, preferably high-volume)
Commercial-grade generator for backup
New Dell computer server
AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
PO Box 13201, 542-0076. www.austinlibrary.org
500-to-1,000-square-foot office space to help support and strengthen Austin's public libraries.
People to serve on the board and as committee members anxious to work on and be part of the new Central Library
BLUE SANTA
1801 E. 51st, 220-BLUE. www.bluesanta.org
New, unwrapped toys: especially for ages 8-12
Volunteers for sorting and wrapping (before Dec. 15)
Volunteers for deliveries (Sat., Dec. 16; large groups call 974-4900)
BROWN SANTA
5555 Airport Blvd., 247-2682. www.brownsanta.org
Canned goods (green beans, corn)
New, unwrapped toys: ages 0-2 and 10-16
Volunteers for sorting and wrapping
CAPITOL SCHOOL OF AUSTIN
2011 W. Koenig, 467-7006. www.capitolschool.com
Laminating machine
Fresh sand for our sandboxes
Folding tables
Camcorder
LCD projector
TV and A/V cart
Cordless phone
Tumbling mats
Little Tykes dollhouse, furniture, and people
Microsoft Office student & teacher edition
CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION
1110 E. 32nd, 472-1164. www.centerforchildprotection.org
Blank, sealed VHS tapes and DVD-Rs to record statements
Warm, child-sized blankets
Individually packaged nutritious snacks (juice boxes, granola bars, animal crackers)
Art supplies for art therapy
Crayons, markers, coloring books
New, small stuffed animals
Lawn service and/or yard equipment: rakes, clippers, gloves
COLLEGE FORWARD
6448 Hwy. 290 E. Ste E-108, 452-4800. www.collegeforward.org
Scissors, tape dispensers, and staplers
Locking filing cabinets
Gift cards to IKEA, HEB, or office supply stores
Postal scale
Shelving unit (to fit 2-foot-by-6-foot space)
Digital projector
Mini computer speakers (for digital projector)
Digital camera with card reader
Mini DV video camera
512MB DDR SDRAM card for Mac (to edit/run videos)
Silent auction items for March fundraiser
External hard drive
High-capacity printers
Large plastic bins for recycling
Couch or comfy chairs for reception area
Adobe InDesign with license
TV set with DVD player (for training videos)
Black poster frames
Folding card table
ENVIRONMENT TEXAS
1009 W. Sixth #208, 479-0388. www.environmenttexas.org
Minifridge
Podium
Potted plants (fake and real)
Locking filing cabinet
Spanish language lessons
Framed art, nature photos, and pictures of Texas history
Conference table and chairs
Phone system
Subscriptions to major Texas daily newspapers
Keg of beer for holiday party
HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY
512 E. Riverside #106, 328-2481.www.hillcountryconservancy.org
Flat file cabinet with flat/thin, wide drawers for maps and drawings
HON four-drawer, black lateral file
Two small folding tables
Gift certificates for framing prints
Arc View Software Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, Second Edition
Fax machine
Microwave
HOUSE THE HOMELESS
PO Box 2312, 796-4366. www.housethehomeless.org
New thermal underwear for annual Thermal Underwear Drive
Cash: $10 = a full set of cold-deflecting thermals; $20 = thermals, a hat, socks, and gloves; $25 = all that and a reusable rain poncho
HUMANE SOCIETY - SPCA AUSTIN
124 W. Anderson, 646-7387. www.austinhumanesociety.org
Canned cat, kitten, and puppy food
Pet toys and treats
Towels and blankets (no electric)
Nonclumping litter
Scratching posts
Collars/leashes
Washable pet beds
Crates (all sizes)
Litter pans (found at Acemart)
Industrial cleaning items
Medical items (heating pads, cotton balls, digital thermometers, Q-Tips, alcohol, antifungal ointment, K-Y Jelly)
Human baby food (meat varieties only - beef, chicken, or lamb)
MEALS ON WHEELS AND MORE
3227 E. Fifth, 476-6325. www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org
Urgent need for volunteers (one hour per week or more) over the holidays, through Jan. 5
Volunteer training: daily, 10:15am; Thursday, 12:15pm
Holiday baskets
Ensure
New space heaters
Magnifying eyeglasses
New blankets
Warm socks
Personal care and hygiene items
MHMR: SAFEHAVEN
5307 E. Riverside, Unit 223, 804-3550. www.atcmhmr.com
Men's coats, pants
New socks, new underwear, new long underwear
Winter hats, gloves, sweatshirts
Razors
Radio
NUBIAN QUEEN LOLA'S CAJUN KITCHEN
1815 Rosewood, 474-LOLA (5652).
Ingredients that can be used for her menu to feed the homeless on Sundays
Coats, blankets
Nonperishable foods
PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY CLINIC
2909 N. I-35, 478-4939. www.austinpcc.org
Children's books in good condition for waiting room (no magazines, please)
Table paper and disposable patient drapes
Powder-free nonsterile exam gloves
Individually wrapped sanitary napkins, tampons
Gauze pads
Cotton balls
1- to 3-milliliter plastic pipettes
Bottles of isopropyl alcohol
Blood specimen tubes (lavender-, tiger-, and red-topped) that are not expired
Sterile and nonsterile cups for urine specimens
SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
2200 E. Martin Luther King Jr., 477-3796. www.sfteaustin.org
Gift cards for grocery and drug stores
Vacuum cleaners
Bed linens, towels
Sweaters, house shoes, robes
Adult diapers (large)
Cleaning supplies
Gift certificates for salon/hairdresser
TEXAS MORATORIUM NETWORK
3616 Far West #117, Box 251, 302-6715. www.texasmoratorium.org
Free office space
Bullhorn
Clipboards and pens
Ink cartridges for Canon MP830 printer
Printer paper
New death-penalty-related artwork
Musicians to hold benefit
New Web site design services
Frequent-flier miles
Mini DV tapes
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
PO Box 40787, 300-BIRD. www.travisaudubon.org
Volunteer bird walk leaders
Spanish speakers to translate bird guides
Cases of bottled water
Gently used binoculars at least 8 by 40 magnification
Sandwich board (for announcing bird walks)
Pocket (presentation) folders, any color, large quantities
Two ergonomic computer chairs
Free high-speed or wireless Internet access
Free office of at least 200 square feet in Central Austin
Donations to our A Bigger Baker campaign to buy land for golden-cheeked warbler protection
VOLUNTEER SERVICES COUNCIL, AUSTIN STATE SCHOOL
2203 W. 35th, 374-6048. www.aussvsc.org
Sweatshirts and pants (medium, large, and extra-large)
CDs (rap, hip-hop, or country)
Handheld video games
Personal CD players with headphones
VHS or DVDs (action or comedy, PG)
Jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, earrings)
Xbox or PlayStation2 games
Purses, wallets, backpacks
Perfume, cologne, body spray
Fast-food gift card or certificates
WRIGHT HOUSE WELLNESS CENTER
4301-B N. I-35, 467-0088. www.thewrighthouse.org
Nonperishable food items for clients living with chronic disease
Wellness supplies, including massage tables, oils, acupuncture needles, yoga mats, blankets, sheets, scented candles, etc.
New space heaters
Two digital cameras
Handheld tape recorders
Car-washing services for our vans
White-noise machines for client sessions
Office supplies
Signage and banner services
One Santa suit and possible elf costume
YOUTHLAUNCH
7756 Northcross #203, www.youthlaunch.org
Farm truck
12-15 passenger van
Garden tools
12 horsepower Rototiller
Free or reduced-price lease on 2-3 acres in Austin or surrounding areas
Walk-in cooler
Organizations that will allow No Kidding peer educators to make presentations for their groups about the realities of teen parenting
Children's supplies; clothes, diapers, wipes, etc.
Referrals of responsible parents between the ages of 16-24 to our No Kidding Program
Office furniture: file cabinets and bookshelves
Also see "Holiday Wish Lists 2006: Part 2."
