Every year The Austin Chronicle’s annual Wish List offers readers a guide to charitable giving with the purpose of helping local nonprofits meet their needs to keep serving our city and its many communities.
Of course, these needs remain year-round, so we encourage readers to use this list into 2026. As always, do your own due diligence before offering your support, and remember that monetary donations, volunteering, and tech accessories (computers, tablets, etc.) are appreciated by many nonprofits in addition to their requests below. It’s also a good idea to call or email before dropping off any donations. Let’s support our communities by giving what we can and where we can, y’all.
Want to be included in next year’s Wish List or to change something on this year’s list? Email wishlist@austinchronicle.com.
Any Baby Can
6207 Sheridan, 512/454-3743, info@anybabycan.org, www.anybabycan.org.
- Playpen
- Weighted vests or blankets for kids
- H-E-B gift cards
- VISA gift cards
- More ideas on Amazon wish list
Austin Allies
9400 Alice Mae Ln., Ste. 211, 512/293-8745, erika@austinallies.org, www.austinallies.org.
- Gifts for seniors in our community
- Blankets
- Puzzles and decks of cards
- Fuzzy socks
- Travel-sized lotions and hand creams
Austin Bat Cave
P.O. Box 4762, Austin, 78765, info@austinbatcave.org, www.austinbatcave.org.
- Art Supplies (cardstock, color paper, glue sticks, scissors, stickers, etc.)
- A5 Kraft Journals, such as Mimorou Soft Cover Notebooks 100 pack
- Gift Cards (Amazon, H-E-B, Target, Bookshop.org, etc.)
- Book donations for the Bat Mobile Library, including: Sabriel by Garth Nix, Rosita y Conchita by Eric Gonzalez and Erich Haeger, and other titles on our bookshop.org wishlist
Austin Book Arts Center
5501 N. Lamar Ste. C125, info@atxbookarts.org, www.atxbookarts.org.
- Gift cards (Amazon, Home Depot, H-E-B, Office Depot)
- Packs of blank newsprint
- High quality decorative paper
- Chip brushes (sizes .05″-2″)
Austin Chamber Ensemble
11231 Henge Dr., 512/219-7457, acensemble@austin.rr.com, www.austinchamberensemble.org.
- Projector to use during performances to show images and enhance the audience experience
- Donated venue to hold a one-time meal/performance for fundraising
- Donated bites from a local eatery to share during the fundraising event
- Donations from $100 – $1000 to assist with production costs
Austin Creative Reuse
2005 Wheless Ln., 512/375-3041, info@austincreativereuse.org, www.austincreativereuse.org.
- Blue painters tape (1-inch wide)
- Gift cards: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Office Depot, H-E-B
- Lapel microphone
- MacBook laptop
Austin Guinea Pig Rescue
P.O. Box 301854, Austin, 78705, 512/648-6536, austingpr@gmail.com, www.austinguineapigrescue.com.
- Credit added to our accounts at Westgate Pet and Bird Hospital or Agave Vet Care & Exotic Animal Hospital
- Timothy or orchard grass hay (Oxbow, Small Pet Select)
- Adult guinea pig pellets (Oxbow, Science Selective)
- Vitamin C small pet supplement tablets (Oxbow)
Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore
500 W. Ben White Blvd., 512/472-8788, aflusche@ahfh.org, www.austinhabitat.org/restore
- Furniture with character (and all its legs)
- Working appliances with some spin left
- Lighting ready for a second spotlight
- Tools eager to tackle new projects
- Decor too good for the curb
Austin Museum of Popular Culture
1105-B Nueces, 512/698-7303, director@southpop.org, www.southpop.org.
- Laptops: Dell Latitude 5400 Laptop or Dell 15 15.6″ Laptop
- Scanners: Contex IQ Flex, WideTEK 24F 18 x 24 Flatbed Scanner, and 11.7 x 16.7 Viisan scanner
- Printer: Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840
- Hard drives: Toshiba 4TB Hard Drive
Austin Parks Foundation
1023 Springdale Rd. 10-D, 512/477-1566, apf@austinparks.org, www.austinparks.org.
- Shovels
- Rakes
- Pickaxes
- Wheelbarrows
- Loppers
- 5 gallon buckets with handles
- Home Depot or Lowes gift cards
Austin Soundwaves
2235 E. Sixth #107, 512/927-6070, info@austinsoundwaves.org, www.austinsoundwaves.org.
- Pencils
- Printer and copy paper
- Whiteboard markers
- Stands
- Full-size violin strings
Austin Steam Train Association
401 E. Whitestone Blvd. #C-10., 512/915-2340, fundraising@austinsteamtrain.org, www.austinsteamtrain.org.
- Monetary donations
- Volunteers
- Vintage railroad artifacts
- Sponsor a Wheels of Wonder child
- Vintage Christmas decorations from the 1930s through the 1950s
Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail, 512/288-1490, info@austinzoo.org, www.austinzoo.org.
- Extension cords (all lengths)
- Red heat-lamp bulbs
- Garden hoses (commercial grade)
- Dr Infrared Heater DR-268 Smart Greenhouse Heater with built in temperature control and digital thermostat
- Metal rakes
Bat Conservation International
500 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 512/326-9721, kkimbell@batcon.org, www.batcon.org.
- 3M 7501 and 7502 half-face respirators
- Wildlife Acoustics Echo Meter Touch 2
- AA batteries
- Nitrile gloves
- SanDisk SDXC Class 10 Flash Card (256 GB+)
- N/KN95 face masks
Capital Area Dental Foundation
txcadf@gmail.com, www.capitalareadentalfoundation.org.
- Volunteers (dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, office assistants) for CADF Community Dental Days
- Printing services
- Uber/Lyft gift cards for patients
Capitol School of Austin
3500 Palomar Ln., 512/467-7006, csa@capitolschool.com, www.capitolschool.com.
- PlasmaCar
- Sturdy playground sand and scoopers/shovels
- Hula hoops
- Soccer balls
- Playground balls and small basketballs
CC4C (Cheyanna’s Champions for Children)
11701 Bee Caves Rd., #200, 512/777-1065, info@cc4c.org, www.cc4c.org.
- Stocking stuffers for children. Amazon wishlist: https://a.co/8nWBZnO
- Teddy bears
- $25 gift cards: Door Dash, H-E-B, Target, Amazon
- Blank journals and pens
- Soft blankets
Central Texas SPCA
909 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander, 512/260-7722, manager@centraltexasspca.org, www.centraltexasspca.org.
- Bleach (liquid or tablets)
- Sani-Sorb cat litter (found at H-E-B)
- Wet food (cat, kitten, dog, and puppy)
- Trash bags (13 gallon and 30 gallon)
- Laundry detergent (any brand)
Dress for Success Austin
3000 I-35 S., Ste. 180, 512/389-3723, alexia@dressforsuccessaustin.org, www.dressforsuccessaustin.org.
- Monetary donations
- Any and all jewelry
- Unopened cosmetics/toiletries
- Handbags
Emancipet
7010 Easy Wind Dr., 512/956-4748, philanthropy@emancipet.org, www.emanicipet.org.
- Clorox wipes
- Ziploc bags
- Easy Cheese
- Puperoni
- Churu
- Towels, bleach, laundry detergent
Final Frontier Rescue Project
4500 Williams Dr. #212-516, Georgetown, 512/942-7666, info@finalfrontierrescueproject.org, www.finalfrontierrescueproject.org.
- Housing for long-stay and sanctuary dogs. Insulated sheds or kennels like this: https://www.lonestarstructures.com/product-category/dog-kennel
- Fencing materials: hog wire or other sturdy fencing materials
- K9 Ballistics Ripstop round dog beds, medium and large
- Bully sticks or yak chews
- Supplements: calming, hip & joint, or probiotic
Flatwater
3575 Far West Blvd #29810, 512/553-2010, info@flatwater.org, www.flatwater.org.
- Navy blue cloth tablecloths (6 or 8 ft. rectangular)
- Small generators (2-3)
- Company iPads (2-3)
- Two-way Radios (6)
- Professional label maker
- High quality inkjet printer
- Cricut/sticker maker
Foundation for the Homeless
500 E St. Johns Ave. #2400, 512/453-6570, accouting@foundationhomeless.org, www.foundationhomeless.org.
- Gift Cards: (groceries, fuel, household items) H-E-B, Walmart, Amazon
- Basic hygiene kits: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, period pads/tampons, razor, wipes
- Socks, underwear, hand warmers
- New household items: Sheet set, blankets, comforter, pots & pan sets, utensils, bath towels, kitchen supplies
- Sponsor a breakfast for the Feed My People breakfast program: $500
Frameworks Community Development Corporation
2200 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., #300, 512/385-1500, info@frameworkscdc.org, www.frameworkscdc.org.
- Gift cards: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart ($25 each)
- 4G Tablets
- Portable projection screen
- Epson Home Cinema 1080 3LCD 1080p Projector (or any comparable brand)
- Magnetic steel mobile dry erase board – 8×4
Friends of Austin State Hospital
512/419-2333, www.friendsofash.org.
- T-shirts for men and women (sizes L-3XL)
- House shoes for men and women (sizes 7-12)
- Colorful, fun pattern socks
- Sweatpants (sizes L-3XL)
- Men and women hoodies (sizes L-3XL)
Girls Empowerment Network
3710 Cedar #101, 512/808-4044, office@girlsempowermentnetwork.org, www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org.
- JBL Go 3 portable speakers
- Construction paper
- Printer paper
- Jolly Ranchers
- Small fidget toys
Girlstart
1400 W. Anderson Ln., 512/916-4775, info@girlstart.org, www.girlstart.org.
- 15 staff monitors
- 30-100 tablets to be used with students
- 55” TV or larger to replace smart boards at the STEM Center
- Need for new servers at the Austin STEM Center
- Snacks for all after school clubs
- Support Girlstart with items from their wish list, their Amazon wishes, and on their store
Global Impact Initiative
7701 N. Lamar, Ste. 410, 512/265-6095, hello@globalimpactinitiative.com, www.globalimpactinitiative.com.
- Toys for children under 5
- Sewing fabrics and notions
- iPads for refugee students and/or families without computers
- Cell phones for refugee families
- Tea and coffee for in-person appointments
Happy Hearts Dog Rescue
happyheartsdogrescue@gmail.com, www.happyheartsdogrescue.org.
- Training treats
- Blankets
- Squeaky toys
- Chew toys
- Puppy food
Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center
P.O. Box 234, San Marcos, 78667, 512/396-2404, lwatts@hcwc.org, www.hcwc.org.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Dish-washing liquid
- Laundry pods
Hill Country Conservancy
P.O. Box 163125, Austin, 78716, 512/328-2481, carolyn@hillcountryconservancy.org, www.hillcountryconservancy.org.
- Cellular trail cameras (x6)
- Battery-powered weed whackers (x4)
- Battery-powered chainsaws (x2)
- Pruning shears (x6)
- Hacksaw (x2)
- Bow saw (x2)
Integral Care
1430 Collier St., 512/440-4034, jodie.eldridge@integralcare.org, www.integralcare.org.
- Seasonal clothing essentials like jackets, hats, and gloves
- Legos for recovery and art therapy
- Grocery store or general retail gift cards in small denominations
Keep Austin Fed
3903 S. Congress, 512/831-3654, lisa@keepaustinfed.org, www.keepaustinfed.org.
- Gas gift cards
- Brown paper grocery bags with handles (unused)
- Latex/vinyl food-safe gloves (large)
- Financial donations
- Volunteers
Latinitas
1023 Springdale, Bldg. 2C, 512/576-3949, austin@latinitasmagazine.org, www.latinitasonline.org.
- Amazon gift cards
- Printer paper
- White cardstock
- 6-, 15-, and 66-quart Sterilite clear w/ purple latch organization containers
Lilith Fund
P.O. Box 684949, Austin, 78768, info@lilithfund.org, www.lilithfund.org.
- Brother Wireless Color Laser Printer – model HL-L3220CDW
- Brother Black/Magenta/Cyan/Yellow Standard Yield Toner Cartridges – TN2294PK
- DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision)
- Amazon gift cards
Literacy Coalition of Central Texas
9901 Brodie #160, 512/326-8655 x120, info@literacyctx.org, www.literacyctx.org.
- Classroom snacks
- Color printer, ink, paper
- Coffee maker
- TI-30 calculators
- Stamps
Louder Than Silence
9901 Brodie Ln., Ste. 160-787 (shipping only), 512/765-6435, hello@louderthansilence.org, www.louderthansilence.org.
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Amazon, Walmart
- Survivor Care kit items: lip balm, beauty face masks, gel pen sets, mandala-type adult coloring books, candles, herbal teas, scented/unscented soaps
- See wish list for more ideas and examples
Music Moves Mountains Foundation
info@musicmovesmountains.org, www.musicmovesmountains.org.
- Venue space for benefit concerts, community events, and showcases
- Sponsorships for programs (All Abilities Rock, Play It Forward, Feeding the Soul)
- Items to auction/raffle
- Music instruments/gear
- Concert tickets
On-Point Re-Entry Consortium Inc.
512/947-0598, mmoran@onpointreentry.org, www.onpointreentry.org.
- H-E-B gift cards – 25 at $20 each
- Visa gift cards – 25 at $20 each
- Walmart gift cards – 50 at $10 each
- Camera to take pictures of events
- Framed art or affirmative posters for office and training spaces
- Welcome home hygiene packs for men and women
Posada Esperanza of Casa Marianella
5104 Rainbow Ridge Cir., 512/928-8862, posadaesperanza@casamarianella.org, www.casamarianella.org/posada-esperanza/.
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Walmart, Amazon
- Thick comforters
- New sheet sets (full and queen, no king)
- New kitchen sets (cutlery, cooking utensils, dishware, cups, pots and pans)
- Brooms, mops, buckets
- Hygiene needs (deodorant, lotion, conditioner, chapstick)
Power for Parkinson’s
5555 N. Lamar, Ste. C109, 512/815-3324, info@powerforparkinsons.org, www.powerforparkinsons.org.
- 30 stacking chairs for exercise classes (HERCULES series trapezoidal back stacking banquet chair with 2.5-inch thick seat)
- Gift cards for local restaurants in Austin, Lakeway, Round Rock, or Georgetown (for volunteer appreciation gifts and community lunches)
- Gift cards for H-E-B, Trader Joe’s, OfficeMax, Amazon, and Target
- Keurig coffee maker
Project Transitions
P.O. Box 4826, Austin, 78765, 512/454-8646, info@projecttransitions.org, www.projecttransitions.org.
- Gibson Home 71-Piece Stainless Steel Silver Cookware Combo Set
- Bravo Twin Bed from Copenhagen
- Twin- and full-sized bed sheets
- EFINE Chrome 5-Tier Heavy Duty Metal Wire Garage Storage Shelving NSF Certified 1-inch Pole (36 in. W x 72 in. H x 14 in. D) RL33652 at Home Depot
Sammy’s House
2415 Twin Oaks Dr., 512/453-5258, a.martinez@sammyshouse.org, www.sammyshouse.org.
- Art paint (all colors)
- Butcher paper (all colors)
- Markers
- Crayons
- Craft materials
Save Our Springs Alliance
3201 Menchaca, 512/477-2320, sosinfo@sosalliance.org, www.sosalliance.org.
Sustainable Food Center
2921 E. 17th, Bldg. C, 512/236-0074, communications@sustainablefoodcenter.org, www.sustainablefoodcenter.org.
- H-E-B gift cards ($25)
- H-E-B or any other brand of gas/fuel cards ($25)
- 200 reusable grocery bags (non-plastic if possible)
Travis Audubon
5401 E. MLK, 512/300-2473, info@travisaudubon.org, www.travisaudubon.org.
- Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars
- Vortex Bantam HD 6-5×32 youth binoculars
- Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 spotting scope
- Vortex Optics Mountain Pass Tripod
Travis County Sheriff’s Brown Santa
P.O. Box 207, Austin, 78767, 247/247-2682, rebecca@brownsanta.org, www.brownsanta.org.
- Toys for children ages 0-14
- Books for children ages 0-14
- Puzzles for children ages 0-14
- Silent auction items
VELA
P.O. Box 9306, Austin, 78766, 512/240-2406, victoria@velafamilies.org, www.velafamilies.org.
- $25 gift cards: H-E-B, Walmart, Target, Amazon
- Sensory toys – fidget toys, sensory bottles, squishy toys, stress balls
- Journals
Writers’ League of Texas
611 S Congress, 512/499-8914, wlt@writersleague.org, www.writersleague.org.
- Financial support for Project WISE, authors-in-schools program
Yellow Bike Project
1216 Webberville, 512/524-5299, info@austinyellowbike.org, www.austinyellowbike.org.
- Bicycles and any bike-related stuff
- Simple Green or other biodegradable cleaner
- Restaurant gift cards for volunteer appreciation
This article appears in November 28 • 2025.