Wish lists for local nonprofit groups now available
View wish list
Click here to see the non-profit wish list.
Click here if you are a non-profit who wants to add your wishes to the list.
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Janesville Boys & Girls Club staffer David Haralson, left, helps a group of kids with their dance moves while practicing for an upcoming Christmas pageant at the club.
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Zoey Gates, 9, right, plays air hockey with a friend at the Janesville Boys & Girls Club on Friday. The club is just one of several non-profit organizations in the area that has shared its holiday 'wish list' with the public in hopes of gaining donations to support its many programs.
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A group of kids line up and check in after school at the Janesville Boys & Girls Club.
JANESVILLE — On the 12th day of Christmas my community gave to me, 12 crayons for coloring, 11 gas cards for driving, 10 reams for copying, nine skeins for knitting ...
The new words don't trip off the tongue like the original lyrics, but they're music to the ears of local nonprofit agencies.
The Gazette is again offering readers a holiday wish list from local non-profits. The list will be updated as more non-profits provide The Gazette with wishes.
While all organizations need money and volunteers, many have specialized needs that help them carry out their missions. They include:
-- Skeins of yarn to knit mittens for nursing home residents.
-- Copy paper and office supplies for social service agencies.
-- Gently used computers for private schools.
-- Crayons, markers and games for kids suffering from abuse or neglect.
-- Stamps for those endless mailings.
Each online listing includes information about the organization, what it needs and where the donations can be sent or delivered.
A gift from the wish list connects the giver to the organization in a tangible way.
For example, the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville offers two dozen programs that promote academic success, character development, leadership development and health and life skills, said Becky Buchanan, director of program operations at the club.
The club's "art adventures" programs reinforce skills such as working together and helping others. Glue sticks, colored pencils and construction paper support those efforts.
The club has a homework period. If kids have finished their homework, they're encouraged to play educational games, Buchanan said.
Counting games, word games and other educational games would support those efforts.
Most importantly, those items help engage kids with each other and adults who care for them.
Kids can "never have too many" positive adult role models, Buchanan said.
"The staff here really do care for kids," Buchanan said. "Sometimes, the kids ask me if I have any children, and I say, ‘Yes, I have you guys.'"
Examples from the non-profit wish list include:
-- UW-Rock County Foundation: Postage stamps, envelope labels, 3-inch ring binders, gas cards, money for scholarships and items for its annual rummage sale. The organization provides services to students and supports the university.
For more information, call 608-359-2766.
-- SpotLight On Kids: Postage stamps; gift certificates to Hobby Lobby, Target or Ace Hardware; volunteers to help organize costumes and props; and a volunteer board treasurer. The organization provides theater opportunities for children and their families.
For more information, call 608-449-5944.
-- Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills (SMILES): Halters, lead ropes, a large paper cutter and a concrete apron near its barn entrance.
The organization improves the lives of people with special needs through equine-assisted therapies. For more information, call 262-882-3470.
Dec 11, 2012 at 10:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.
"Plenty of prisons," said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
"And the Union workhouses?" demanded Scrooge. "Are they still in operation?"
"They are. Still," returned the gentleman, "I wish I could say they were not."
"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?" said Scrooge.
"Both very busy, sir."
"Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course," said Scrooge. "I'm very glad to hear it."
What shall I put you down for?"
"Nothing!" Scrooge replied.
"You wish to be anonymous?"
"I wish to be left alone," said Scrooge.
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