Area non-profit groups share their wish lists

During the holiday season, many people look for worthy causes to which they can contribute. The following list is of many area organizations, and items, donations or volunteers they need, which could use donations not just during this season, but all year round.

CAMP NEW HOPE: Performance: Individual or group (dance, music, theatre, magic, puppets etc.); volunteers (www.cnhinc.org/volunteer/); current (2013-14) PG or PG-13 DVDs; cage ball (like used in schools). We are also seeking any monetary donations to sponsor a camper, financially in need, so that they may attend camp. You may visit our website wish list at any time: http://www.cnhinc.org/wish-list/.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES: Catholic Charities of Coles, Douglas, & Edgar Counties: Money is always good, but volunteers are GREAT! Also needed is food, new baby clothes, and diapers. Volunteers are ALWAYS needed to: sort clothes and other donations, check electrical and battery-operated items, straighten items in store, clean up outside area, help with special events, general maintenance work and assist with special projects. Phone: 217-235-0420.

CHARLESTON SOUP STOP: We serve a hot lunch (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) to anyone who is hungry. Individual fruit cups (include some sugar-free), individual servings of microwaveable mac and cheese, individual pudding cups (some sugar-free), powdered lemonade drink mix, powdered fruit punch drink mix. Website: http://www.soupstop.org.

CTF ILLINOIS: CTF Illinois is an Illinois, not-for-profit agency providing residential and vocational services for adults with developmental disabilities. For our 9 Muses Art Gallery where individuals with disabilities create original art for sale, the individuals wish for any art supplies that can be spared. CTF Illinois is in the process of opening a new craft program where individuals will create original crafts for sale. We wish for a dye cut machine, paper maker, silk screen equipment and any other craft supplies. Individuals receive all money earned from sales of their arts and crafts. CTF Illinois is developing a powerlifting team to compete in Special Olympics Powerlifting events. We wish for a weightlifting bench, metal or rubber weights, mens or womens barbell, and a squat rack. CTF Illinois will also receive donations of coats, hats and gloves. We would also work with anyone willing to donate cars. http://www.ctfillinois.org.

DOUGLAS-HART NATURE CENTER: The center is a local 501 C 3 nonprofit organization, and through responsible stewardship and Helen Douglas-Harts gifts, the Douglas-Hart Foundation will be a leader in promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of our natural resources by providing quality programs for all ages. The nature center is always looking for educational supplies, wildlife needs, conservation needs and everyday amenity items. WILDLIFE NEEDS: Black sunflower and other bird seed, mixed bird seed, ears of corn, suet cakes, aspen or reptile bedding, or rabbit feed. CONSERVATION NEEDS: Forb seeds, Pro Mix 900/902 Soil, 14-14-14 Osmocote fertilizer, native trees, native shrubs, prescribed burn equipment, tulip bulbs, o rwagons/carts/carryalls. EVERYDAY AMENITY ITEMS: Copy paper (all colors), cardstock (all colors), other basic office supplies, Paper towels, toilet paper, trash and lawn bags, napkins, beverages (e.g. soda, hot chocolate packets), condiments (e.g. sugar packets), or gift cards for professional services (electrician, plumbing, etc.) EDUCATIONAL NEEDS: Binoculars, basic craft supplies (glue, paint, felt, foam, etc.), nature themed games, Spooky Halloween decorations, I PAD/ Tablet, or 12 passenger van. Phone: 217-235-4644. Website: http://www.dhnature.org.

ILLINOIS COALITION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES -- $5-$10 Wal-Mart Gift Cards; $5-$10 gas cards; Canned and Boxed Food Items; Diapers All Sizes; Baby Food; Toilet Paper; Toiletry Items such as Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothbrushes and Toothpaste, Bar Soap, Razors, etc.; White Copy Paper; Colored Copy Paper; Legal Pads; Paper Clips/Binder Clips (all sizes); Standard Staples; Batteries (AA & AAA); Sharpie Markers; Colored Pencils; Paper Plates; Any Art Supplies. Phone: 217-549-2987.

LIFELINKS: LifeLinks mission is to provide high quality, cost effective, outpatient behavioral health services which meet the needs of consumers and the community. Last year we served 2,719 individuals including more than 800 children. Our wish list includes heavy duty all weather furniture for private outdoor areas used by our consumers, mobile play therapy kits to use with our young and very young clients, iPADs to use with adolescents and adults as an adjunct to therapy, or monetary donations to cover the cost of any of these items or to buy gas cards for parents who wish to visit their children who are psychiatrically hospitalized out of town. Any local business or community member who would like to make an end of the year donation to our future building fund can donate $50 and join or 50 for 50 Club! Contact our Executive Director, Lynette Ashmore, or our Compliance Officer, Debby Cook, at 217-238-5700 to donate.

MATTOON I HEAD START CENTER: Construction paper (all colors), glue sticks, watercolor paints, coats size for 3-5 year olds, boys underwear and socks 3-5 year olds. Phone 217-235-4362.

MATTOON PUBLIC LIBRARY: Children's Department: Crayloa Washable Markers, Glue Sticks, Construction paper (all colors), a roll of white butcher paper, Trains for a wooden train track, Duplo Legos; Teen Department: $15 Pizza gift cards for Teen Nights, Lego sets, Video Games (used okay) (they will be added to the collection), Wii and WiiU, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 3 & 4; Adult Department: Golf Pencils, Ultra Fine Black Sharpies, Hand Sanitizer, Used eReaders and tablets for an upcoming project (accepted year round); Book Lovers for our Adopt-an-Author Program. If you adopt your favorite author, this is buying the book for the library at our discounted price. The best part is that you never have to put the book on hold, and you get first dibs and are never on a wait list. A list of suggested authors is available at the main library desk. http://www.mattoonlibrary.org.

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Area non-profit groups share their wish lists