Feels So Good
WISH LIST
Your Guide to Charitable Giving
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. And for anyone who reads the news these days, the need to help our neighbors this holiday season should be obvious.
Of course, these needs remain year-round, so we encourage readers to use this list into 2023. (The Chronicle’s Wish List in its entirety lives online all year.) 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. Because many organizations are still operating remotely out of pandemic precautions, it’s also a good idea to call ahead before dropping off any donations. Let’s support our communities by giving what we can and where we can, y’all. – James Renovitch
Wondering how to get your nonprofit in our database? Email wishlist@austinchronicle.com for details.
Kids/Education/Holidays
ACTIVITECA INTERNATIONAL
2610 Sherwood Ln., 512/350-4864, jpenz38@gmail.com, https://sites.google.com/a/activiteca.org/home/home/about-our-organization.
- Dried-up ballpoint pens for arts and crafts
- Small figures (tchotchkes, maximum of 6 inches high) representing persons, places, or things from around the world (including Austin). Along with each item, we ask the donor to attach any information known about that object, to enhance the learning experience: the material, method, purpose, value, history, and/or legend.
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF AUSTIN
4901 Burnet Rd., 512/458-3716, president@alaustin.org, alaustin.org.
- Books in Spanish and English for grades 3-6 with lots of pictures (new or gently used)
- Books about nature, athletes, heroes, etc.
- New Barbie dolls and new nonviolent action figures
- Clean paper bags with handles, all sizes
- Attractive, paper shopping bags from specialty stores, with handles
CAPITOL SCHOOL OF AUSTIN
2011 W. Koenig, 512/467-7006, jyoung@capitolschool.com, capitolschool.com.
- Playground balls and trucks (new)
- Sand toys (shovels, buckets)
- Outdoor art easel
- Two outdoor picnic table umbrellas
- Gift cards: OfficeMax, Target, Teachers Pay Teachers
GHISALLO CYCLING INITIATIVE
1000 Brazos #100, 512/524-7440, kari.kuwamura@ghisallo.org, ghisallo.org.
- Good condition Toyota Tacoma truck or Ford Transit van
- Land/light industrial warehouse
- Office space
- Bike locks/lights
GIRLS EMPOWERMENT NETWORK
PO Box 3122, Austin, TX 78764, 512/808-4044, office@girlsempowermentnetwork.org, girlsempowermentnetwork.org.
- Fidget toys
- Gel pens
- Permanent markers
- Card stock
- Beads for bracelets
- Watercolor pallets
- Balloons
- Sticky poster pads
- Small notebooks
IMAGINE ART
1611 W. 14th, 512/448-1840, info@imagineart.net, imagineart.net.
- Gift cards ($10-$25): H-E-B, Walmart
- Winter hats and gloves
- Socks
- Artist blank journals
- Artist pencil or pen sets
- Christmas stockings
THE LITERACY COALITION
724 Eberhart #500, 512/326-8655, fundraising@willread.org, www.willread.org.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) board books for toddlers (new or gently used)
- Construction paper
- Disinfectant wipes
- Printable magnet sheets (letter size, inkjet)
- Children classroom rugs
- Children play doctor kit toys
- AA and AAA batteries
- Glue guns/sticks
- White cardstock (letter size)
- Playdoh cans
- Googly eyes (30mm and 12mm)
- Crayons
- USB flash drives
- TI-30 calculators
- Masks
- Dry erase markers
- Individually wrapped snack food
- Paper goods (plates, utensils, napkins)
- Bus passes (weekly, monthly)
- Hand sanitizer
- Menstrual care products
- Pens
- Post-Its
- 100 black folders with prongs and pockets
- 40 paperback Oxford Picture Dictionaries English-Spanish
- Gift cards ($25-50): H-E-B, Walmart, Amazon, Target, etc.
- $20, $40, $60, and $100 VISA gift cards
- Laptops
MAKE-A-WISH CENTRAL & SOUTH TEXAS
2224 Walsh Tarlton #200, 512/329-9474, program@cstx.wish.org, cstx.wish.org.
- Toys, stuffed animals, and games (ages 2-18)
- Coloring books, adult coloring books, crayons, and markers
- Travel supplies (neck pillows, crossword puzzles, throw blankets, portable charger, headphones, water bottle, etc.)
- Sensory toys (toys that light up or are squishy)
- Wrapping paper, gift bags, gift wrapping supplies (non-Christmas/holidays – white, plain royal blue, and plain colors/patterns preferred)
- Shipping supplies (bubble mailers, packaging tape, media boxes, crinkle paper)
- Note: See Make-A-Wish’s Amazon Wish List for more
NEIGHBORHOOD LONGHORNS PROGRAM
2109 San Jacinto #312, 512/232-4650, donate@nlp.utexas.edu, neighborhoodlonghorns.org.
- Pencils/pens/markers
- Wide-ruled loose-leaf paper
- Construction paper
- Printer/copier paper
- Children's books in English and/or Spanish (second- to fifth-grade level)
- Disinfectant wipes
THE SAFE ALLIANCE
1515 Grove, 512/369-5900, lcontreras@safeaustin.org, safeaustin.org.
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Walmart, fast food, and Visa
- Household needs: Pillows, twin sheet sets/blankets, bath towels, pots & pans
- Baby needs: Convertible car seats, Pack 'N Plays, baby wipes/wash/lotion, and 4T-5T Pull-Ups
- Hygiene needs: Black/African American hair care products, body wash, bar soap, shaving supplies, body lotion, shampoo/conditioner
- Cleaning supplies: Paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning spray
TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME
1101 N. Mays, Round Rock, 512/246-4244, info@tbch.org, tbch.org.
- Two Keurig Mini coffeemakers
- Personal laptop computer
- Nerf toys for kids ages 9 and up
- iPhone/Android accessories (chargers, earbuds, etc.)
- New, standard-sized pillows
Arts
BIG MEDIUM
916 Springdale Bldg. 2 #101, 512/939-6665, info@bigmedium.org, bigmedium.org.
- Fujifilm X-S10 with 16-80mm lens
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch, 6th generation
- Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
- iPad Mini
- Apple Pencil, 4th generation
DO GOOD ATX
- $10 donation to purchase new toys (Toy Giveaway, Dec. 10)
- Female care products
- $30 grocery gift cards
- Diapers (any size)
- Venmo and Cash App: DoGoodATX
FISTERRA PROJECTS
84 Waller, 817/692-2263, info@fisterra.xyz, fisterra.xyz.
- Rehearsal/event/performance space
- Sponsorships
- In-kind donations
- Art supplies
YOUNG VOICES OF AUSTIN
916 Springdale Bldg. 4 #106, 917/224-0346, diana@yva.org, yva.org.
- Gift cards: Target, H-E-B
- Tickets to local cultural institutions, events, experiences, movies
- Art, music, and beauty to share; books and learning materials to challenge
Environmental/Animals
AUSTIN YOUTH RIVER WATCH
PO Box 40351, Austin, TX 78704, 512/708-9115, info@riverwatchers.org, riverwatchers.org.
- Weed wrenches
- Garden hose
- Garden hose reel
- Greenhouse supplies: tables, plant stands, pots
- Landscaping materials: river rock, pebbles, soil
- Native plants
- Weatherproof tables for outdoor classroom
AUSTIN ZOO
10808 Rawhide Trl., 512/288-1490, info@austinzoo.org, austinzoo.org.
- Heavy-duty garden hoses in any length
- Extension cords in any length
- Red heat lamp bulbs
- Raw, unsalted nuts (any type)
- Two bar electric heaters
CENTRAL TEXAS FELINE RESCUE
- Stackable, structured steel cages with easy, safe access for feral cats
CLIMATE CHANGE NOW INITIATIVE
8103 Kirkham, 512/799-7998, bruce@climatediscovery.org, climatediscovery.org.
- $3,450: Upgrade HD video work station to 4K
- $2,500-$3,500: Annual website maintenance
- $1,496: LG 38WN95C-W 38-Inch 21:9 UltraWide G-Sync/FreeSync QHD+ curved IPS monitor
- $250-$1,000: Donation for award-winning Climate Change Across America film series
- $250-$1,000: Climate change policy work
- $250: Film festival entry fees
EMANCIPET
7201 Levander Loop, Bldgs. I & K, 512/587-7729, philanthropy@emancipet.org, emancipet.org.
- Towels
- Bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Clorox wipes
- Ziploc bags
- Note: Email to coordinate donation drop-offs
FINAL FRONTIER RESCUE PROJECT
4500 Williams #212-516, 530/635-6309, finalfrontierrescueproject@gmail.com, fb.com/finalfrontierrescueproject.
- Bully sticks and rolled beef cheeks
- Large KONG Extreme dog toys
- Soft dog treats: small for training
- Snuffle mats
- Lick mats for dogs (e.g., LickiMat Classic Soother)
KEEP AUSTIN BEAUTIFUL
2200 E. MLK, 512/391-0617, info@keepaustinbeautiful.org, keepaustinbeautiful.org.
- New laptops
- Heavy-duty pool nets
- Hand weight scales
- Folding wagons
- Pocket calculators
KEEP AUSTIN CLEAN
- Donations for marketing
- Trash grabbers
- Hand soap/sanitizer
- Trash bags
- A flatbed trailer
STREET CAT RESCUE
PO Box 2524, Round Rock, TX 78681, 512/762-3597, info@streetcatrescue.org, streetcatrescue.com.
- Gift cards: Tomlinson’s, Chewy, or Petco
- Chewy brand American Journey chicken and turkey dry cat food
- Wet/canned food: Science Diet, Merrick, Wellness, Weruva Cat’s in the Kitchen or Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers
- Gift certificates to Tractor Supply
- Greenies cat treats (any flavor)
- Churu treats
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
3908 Avenue B, 512/300-2473, info@travisaudubon.org, travisaudubon.org.
- Gift cards: H-E-B
- New Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 binoculars
- New Vortex Viper HD 8x42 binoculars
Health/Medical
ASHWELL
3208 Red River #300, 512/467-0088, msanchez@ashwellatx.org, www.ashwellatx.org.
- Queer friendly art
- Personal heaters or A/C
- Tents/sleeping bags for clients
- Portable shower
- Rolling grocery carts
- Company vehicle
- Shelving for closets
AUSTIN STATE HOSPITAL
4110 Guadalupe, 512/419-2333, cindy.reed@hhsc.state.tx.us, ashvolunteers.org.
- Men's pants (sizes 32-38)
- Women's lounge pants (sizes L-2XL)
- Men's college and professional sports T-shirts and hats
- Men's and women's house slippers (medium and large)
- Word find and crossword puzzle books
- Book bound journals and sketchbooks (no spiral)
HEALTH ALLIANCE FOR AUSTIN MUSICIANS
3036 S. First, 512/541-4226, info@myhaam.org, myhaam.org.
- Gift cards ($25, $50): H-E-B for food and pharmacy use
- Sponsor a HAAM member’s health insurance: $1,200 per year
- Sponsor a HAAM member’s hearing services: $300 per year
- Sponsor a HAAM member’s dental services: $600 per year
- HAAMbassador volunteers: Go to myhaam.org to volunteer
HOSPICE AUSTIN
4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., 512/342-4700, mmarble@hospiceaustin.org, hospiceaustin.org.
- Gift cards: H-E-B
- Coloring books, colored pencils, crayons
- Food pantry items: Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast, peanut butter, canned soups, canned meats, dried beans, etc.
- Lockboxes for doors
- Word find and puzzle books
INTEGRAL CARE
512/440-4037, jodie.eldridge@integralcare.org, integralcare.org.
- Adult socks
- Hats/gloves
- Blankets
- Hygiene kits
- Sleeping bags
- Backpacks
- Hand warmers
- Shelf-stable food
THE KIND CLINIC
101 W. Koenig #300, 833/937-5463, info@texashealthaction.org, www.kindclinic.org.
- Gift cards: H-E-B
- Ultra-fine-point, retractable Sharpies
- Face masks
- Basic hygiene supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, razors)
- Storage bins
LILITH FUND
PO Box 684949, Austin, TX 78768, 877/355-1463, info@lilithfund.org, lilithfund.org.
- Gift cards: Amazon, Office Max
- Over-ear wireless headphones
- Linocut materials for zines
- Paper and binding materials for zines
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
201 E. Ben White, 512/275-0171, sarah.wheat@ppgt.org, ppgreatertx.org.
- Stickers and sticker books
- Art supplies
- Mega MagnaBoom Bluetooth speaker
- Easy-to-care-for or fake plants (e.g., snake plants, succulents, fake trees/large leaf plants)
- Best Choice Products Kids 3-in-1 Push and Pedal Car Toddler Ride On w/ Handle, Horn, Music – Red
SIMS FOUNDATION
PO Box 2152, Austin, TX 78768, 512/472-1008, info@simsfoundation.org, simsfoundation.org.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw
- Dell Latitude 3000 3410 14-Inch Notebook
- Office desks
- Office chairs (manager or executive)
- Wireless mouse
TOP DRAWER
7101-B Woodrow, 512/454-8646, info@projecttransitions.org, projecttransitions.org.
- Gift cards: Walmart, H-E-B
- Socks
- Underwear
- Personal hygiene products
Quality of Life
AUSTIN BAPTIST CHAPEL – ANGEL HOUSE SOUP KITCHEN
908 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/643-2327, angelhouse@austinbaptistchapel.com, austinbaptistchapel.com.
- Men’s gently used clothing (no suit coats, please)
- Winter clothing and jackets
- New sleeping bags
- New full-sized blankets
- Travel-sized soaps and shampoo
- Bath towels
- Note: See Angel House’s Amazon Wish List for more
DRESS FOR SUCCESS AUSTIN
3000 S. I-35 #180, 512/389-3723, austin@dressforsuccess.org, dressforsuccessaustin.org.
- Toiletries, including hair care products for Black women
- All shades of makeup
- Black professional handbags
- Professional work shoes (sizes 9+ preferred)
- Gently used laptop computers (less than 5 years old)
- Menstrual products: tampons, maxi pads
- Flat shoes
FOUNDATION FOR THE HOMELESS
6719 N. Lamar Ste. D, 512/453-6570, info@foundationhomeless.org, foundationhomeless.org.
- Bedding (queen or twin)
- Toiletry kits: soap, shampoo/conditioner, razors, toothbrush/toothpaste
- Gift cards ($25): gas, Walmart, H-E-B, Target, etc.
- Bath towels (all sizes)
- Cleaning supplies
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN – AUSTIN
1023 Springdale Ste. 13-C, 512/717-6701, info@friendsaustin.org, friendsaustin.org.
- Gift cards ($30 minimum): H-E-B, Walmart, Visa
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSICIANS AND ENTERTAINERS
6800 West Gate #132-237, homeformusicians@gmail.com, www.homeaustin.org.
- Free advertising and promotion for events, music fundraisers, and other special projects
LIFEWORKS
3700 S. First, 512/735-2400, development@lifeworksaustin.org, lifeworksaustin.org.
- Gift cards ($25): Walmart, Target, Visa
- Adult-sized backpacks in dark colors
- Adult-sized sleeping bags in dark colors
- Winter jackets (adult sizes)
- Air mattresses (any size)
- Pack 'n Play
MAC MISSION INCORPORATED
7600 Chevy Chase Dr. Bldg. 2 #300, 512/939-6116, info@macpacks.org, macpacks.org.
- Men's white cotton crew socks
- Fleece travel blankets
- Knit winter gloves & hats
- New backpacks
- Pull-tab cans of food
MUSIC MOVES MOUNTAINS FOUNDATION
PO Box 41802, Austin, TX 78704, info@musicmovesmountains.org, musicmovesmountains.org.
- Gift cards to local music stores for instruments, gear, repair
- New or used record players, CD players, speakers, headphones
- Rehearsal/recording space and production services
- Venue space for community events
- Sponsorship of programs (All Abilities Rock, Play It Forward, Feeding the Soul)
OUR SHARED KITCHEN
- Mains packaging: WebstaurantStore 24-ounce or 38-ounce black rectangular microwavable heavy-weight container with lid (8 by 5¼ by 2 inches) 150/case, 10- or 25-pack
- Mains packaging: WebstaurantStore 24-ounce or 32-ounce black round microwavable heavy container with lid (7¼ inch) 150/case, 10- or 25-pack
- Sides packaging: WebstaurantStore Dart Clearseal hinged-lid plastic container (5⅜ by 5¼ by 2⅝ inches)
- WebstaurantStore Cambros CamSquare 22-, 12-, 8-, and 6-quart with lids
- WebstaurantStore Robo Coupe R2B 1HP 3-quart food processor, gray
POSADA ESPERANZA
- For mothers: perfume, nail polish, makeup, blender, large pot, queen-sized blanket, socks and underwear (women’s sizes), hair clipper set for cutting boys’ hair, carry-on suitcases
- For kids: socks and underwear, batteries (AA, AAA), new sneakers, winter hats (all ages)
- Babies: diapers (sizes 3-6), wipes, warm clothes (sizes 6 months to 2 years), sit upon push toys for toddlers
- Kids (ages 2-6): toy robots, remote-controlled cars, dolls (preferably brown or black), toy doll strollers, Play-Doh, kinetic sand, superhero toys
- Kids (ages 7-12): hair ties and hairbrushes, Legos, Rubik’s cubes, balls (all sports), craft kits, journal/drawing pads, headphones, toy drone, watches, slime, kid purses
- Kids (ages 13-17): brand-name long-sleeve gym shirts and baseball caps (Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour), belts for jeans, fitness tracker watches, headphones, wallet, small Bluetooth speaker, toy drone, purse backpack, fuzzy soft sweatshirts, hoodie sweatshirts
- Items for family care packages: toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, kitchen sponges, hand soap, shampoo
- Note: See Posada Esperanza’s Amazon Wish List for more
REAL QUEENS FIX EACH OTHER'S CROWNS
19713 James Manor, 512/733-3380, bria.rqfeoc@gmail.com, realqueens.org.
- Therapists in the area to provide access to community healing
- Sound system for audio at our mental health workshops
SCOTTISH RITE THEATER
207 W. 18th, 512/472-5436, info@scottishritetheater.org, scottishritetheater.org.
- Optoma EH412STx Short Throw 1080p HDR Professional Projector
- Shure BLX14R/MX53-H11 Wireless Headworn Microphone System (multiple)
- Chauvet DJ SlimPAR Pro QZ12 USB RGBA LED With Motorized Zoom (1-3)
- Korg Grandstage 88-Key Stage Piano
- Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch Laptop: Intel Core i7 2.9GHz, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD
TREASURE CITY THRIFT
2142 E. Seventh, 512/524-2820, info@treasurecitythrift.org, treasurecitythrift.org.
- Volunteers
- Shopping bags
- Masks (sealed and unused)
YELLOW BIKE PROJECT
1216 Webberville, 512/524-5299, austinyellowbike@gmail.com, austinyellowbike.org.
- Conferencing speaker
- Folding tables
- Bicycles in any amount or condition
- A quiet compressor
- A Ryobi portable high-volume inflator
Rights/Advocacy
BLACK LIVES MATTER LOCAL CHAPTER
- Sponsor an incarcerated person for $5. Most Texas prisons use the JPay email service where for $5 you can send an email to an inmate with up to 10 pages of attachments. Contact the chapter for a list of people incarcerated in Texas and a 10-page social services resource list to send.
CARITAS OF AUSTIN
611 Neches, 512/273-7894, donations@caritasofaustin.org, caritasofaustin.org/donate-give.
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Lyft, Uber, Walmart, Target, Savers
- Household items (new items only): dishware, flatware, cookware, kitchen towels, potholders, blankets (especially wool), clothes hangers, full- and queen-sized comforters, shower curtains/liners/rings, toilet brushes, towels, plungers, mops and buckets, small trash cans, brooms and dustpans, laundry baskets
- Pantry items: cans of meat (tuna, Spam, Vienna sausage, chicken, sardines), cans of chili, tomato sauce, instant coffee, hot chocolate packets, peanut butter and jelly, mayonnaise, mustard, ramen, microwavable meals, bottled water, mac & cheese, dry beans, dry rice, cans of fruit, cereals, sugar
- Nonperishable dog and cat food
- 4G tablets and phones
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Winter care kits (new items only): gloves/mittens, scarves, beanies, socks, ponchos, hand warmers
- Winter storm kits (new items only): fill a backpack with blankets/sleeping bag, flashlight, batteries, radio, water, snacks, socks, hand warmers, bungee cords
CASA MARIANELLA
821 Gunter, 512/385-5571, donations@casamarianella.org, casamarianella.org.
- Gently used men’s and women’s clothing
- Winter clothing for men (jackets, coats, beanies, and gloves)
- Men’s jeans or work pants (waist: 28-38 inches; inseam: 28-32 inches)
- Men’s work boots or black work shoes
- Unlocked cellphones
- Flat-screen TVs
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Goodwill
- Twin-, full-, or queen-sized mattresses/box springs/frames (preferably as a bed set)
- New men’s and women's socks and underwear
- Sheets, pillows, towels, and blankets
- Gently used kitchen items (plates, cups, pans, spatulas, frying pans, etc.)
- Hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion)
- Reusable shopping bags
EL BUEN SAMARITANO EPISCOPAL CENTER
7000 Woodhue, 512/439-8900, hello@elbuen.org, elbuen.org.
- Folding/camping chairs
- USB-charging speaker for conference calls
- Parking cones
- Three 10-by-10-foot outdoor canopies/tents
- Three white 6-foot folding tables
- Blank mailing labels
- No. 10 self-adhesive envelopes
- School supplies (elementary, middle, high school)
- Rechargeable waterproof walkie-talkies
- Back support belts
- Food prep gloves
- Label maker
- Lockable lateral black filing cabinet
- Dry erase/windshield markers
KEEP AUSTIN FED
3903 S. Congress #40760, info@keepaustinfed.org, keepaustinfed.org.
- Gas cards (Shell, Valero, H-E-B, etc.)
- USPS Forever stamps
- Large insulated bags
MANOS DE CRISTO
4911 Harmon, 512/628-4203, driehs@manosdecristo.org, manosdecristo.org.
- New or clean, gently used winter coats
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Walmart, Sam's Club
- Chromebooks for adult learners
- Color printer
- HDMI-capable projector
- Headphones and Bluetooth speakers
ON-POINT REENTRY CONSORTIUM INC.
512/947-0598, info@onpointreentry.org, onpointreentry.org.
- Ink cartridges for HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 (HP 950 black/951 cyan/magenta/yellow 4-pack)
- Ink cartridges for 8620 printer (HP 950 XL/951 high-yield black & standard color bundle)
- Gift cards ($100): Walmart
- Pro bono grant writer to research and write grants
- Centralized, free office space for a year
- Marketing/promotion person for special events/summits
- $25 gas cards
TEXAS ADVOCACY PROJECT
512/476-5377, info@texasadvocacyproject.org, texasadvocacyproject.org.
- Gift cards: H-E-B, Amazon, Walmart, Target (needed through Dec. 5 for Hope for the Holidays)
WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT
5604 Manor Rd., 512/391-2305, info@workersdefense.org, workersdefense.org.
- New refrigerator
- Picnic tables
- Coffee/tea
- New microwave
- Large plant pots
- Credenza/sideboard with shelves or cabinet (48 inches wide, 20 inches deep, 30 inches tall)
