Kids aren’t the only ones with Christmas wish lists

Giving Tuesday, this year on December 1, was created to counteract the materialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with a global day dedicated to giving. In that spirit, we thought we’d share the needs of some of Huntsville’s charities – if they could sit on Santa’s knee, here’s what they would tell the big guy they’re hoping for this year:

• Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary needs items for animal care like dog crates and electric blankets, and a wide range of tools and materials for maintaining their property. View their ongoing wish list here.
• Christine’s Place is always in need of new and gently used baby clothes, diapers, and other baby care supplies, and personal care items for new moms. See their ongoing wish list for more.
• The Door Youth Centre is stuffing holiday stockings for teens, many of whom come from disadvantaged families. They are looking for donations of the following items which can be dropped off at The Door (18 Brunel Road) before December 7: toques, gloves, hair accessories, lip balm, socks, candy, pens and pencils, notebooks, deoderant, iTunes gift cards, Tim Hortons gift cards, and McDonald’s gift cards. The group also gratefully accepts cash donations.
• On Hospice Huntsville’s wish list are things as small as books and towels and as big as furniture for resident bedrooms. Donors select an item and donate the amount needed to purchase the item.
• The Huntsville Hospital Foundation funds capital equipment for the Huntsville Hospital. They maintain an urgent wish list that donors can contribute to financially.
• The Salvation Army is hoping that their Christmas kettles will be overflowing, that firetrucks will be overburdened with non-perishable food items during Project Porchlight on December 2, and that OPP cruisers will be stuffed to overflowing with toys for the Stuff-a-Cruiser toy drive on December 12.
• The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation food bank is always in need of food donations, in particular fresh produce, eggs, bread, fresh dairy products, meat (fresh, frozen and canned), peanut butter, dried fruit and nuts, canned fruit and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, school lunch components, toiletries, toilet paper, facial tissues and cash donations to purchase other food supplies in bulk. They also accept gifts to be used for birthdays and Christmas presents, and new and gently used household items to help community members in need.
• YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka aims to raise $7000 for programs across the region on December 1.
• YWCA Muskoka is hoping for donations to help them host the next Power of Being a Girl conference in 2016, a leadership conference for girls aged 12-17.

Even if they don’t have a wish list, all of Huntsville’s local charities would be grateful for your donations, your time, or just your help in spreading the word about the good work they do, today and every day.

Image: freeimage.com/David Hartman

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