During this holiday season, perhapsyou want to teach your children or grandchildren about reaching out with compassion to others.
Many people lack the ability or financial resources to fulfill their own basic needs. The Post-Bulletin has gathered its 2013 Post-Bulletin Holiday Wish List to help you reach out and help others, while at the same time offering teachable moments for your little ones.
While shopping this year, you can add a few gifts or volunteer hours to your list. Or, read about the needs of others together as a family and then give your children or grandchildren this list so they can pick who they would like to help.
That's a good time to talk about how much need there is, one person's ability to make a impact on the world, ripple effects and making a difference with time, money or presence.
Groups like the Elder Network need volunteers to provide companionship for elderly individuals who may no longer have friends or family available nearby.
ADVERTISEMENT
Have you seen photographs of kids in impoverished countries but never know how to help in a way that will make a difference? Maybe you will want to review the wish list from Hands for Humanity, a Rochester-based organization that works with children living an impoverished existence at an Ecuadorian orphanage.
Or, at Bear Creek Services, individuals with challenges sometimes reach an age, with no children, when there are no family members still living to offer a holiday gift.
But southeast Minnesotans can help theses individuals through the newspaper's wish list.
The Post-Bulletin wishes you a safe and happy holiday season — and thanks you for considering giving a helping hand through the 2013 Holiday Wish List.
Arc of Southeastern Minnesota , 507-287-2032, 6301 Bandel Road N.W., Suite 605, Rochester, MN 55901
Serves: People with disabilities and their families to make a difference in their lives.
Services provided: Interpersonal support, parent support, life planning, long-term living services and advocacy.
Wish list: Office supplies, cleaning supplies, items for an individual moving with very little, copy paper, colored copy paper, 70-pound paper, Easel Pad, large bulletin board, Tri-fold display, 2"-3" wired ribbon (any color), larger wicker baskets, foam board, dish set for 4, set of 4 – 6 glasses, bath towels, kitchen towels, cleaning supplies, gift cards.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bear Creek Services , 507-288-7195, 3108 U.S. 52 North, Rochester, MN 55901
Serves: Individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
Services provided: More than 50 adult residents with developmental disabilities living in one of 13 group homes. With help and support from the community residents all work in the Rochester area and stay very active in the community. Residents look so forward to the holidays, enjoy receiving gifts and brining cheer to others during this time of year.
Wish list:
• Male age 50;Blue Jeans size 36 x 30, XLPackers sweatshirt, XLPackets Sweatpants.
• Male 52; M sweat pants (any color), M sweatshirts (any color),
mittens/hat ( any color), wrestling calendar, wrestling poster
• Female 55; cookbooks with pictures, L button-up sweaters (any color), latch-hook crafts
ADVERTISEMENT
• Female 47; L two-piece PJs,warm socks, hat and gloves (pink or light blue)
• Female 60; yellow Matchbox cars, car calendar, "Wizard of Oz" DVD, "Cars" movie DVD, "Shriek" DVD, 2X night gown (any color)
• Female 45; L pullover sweater, any current female pop music
• Female 40; pretty headbands,crossword puzzle books, markers, coloring books
• Female 62; XLViking sweater or sweatshirt, fashion scarves (any color),Viking calendar
•Female 50; kitten/cat calendar, kitten books,Christiann CDs
Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, 507-287-2316, 1024 E. Center St. S.E., Rochester MN, 55904
Serves: Boys and girls ages 6 to 18 in need of a safe place to learn and grow while having fun.
ADVERTISEMENT
Services provided: A safe, caring environment for youth; positive adult role models and programs focused on academic success: Health and life skills, character, leadership and the Arts. All members experience the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and activities which will provide them with hope and opportunity for the future.
Wish list:New winter outerwear including hats, mittens and gloves sizes youth through adult; gift cards (Walmart, ShopKo, Target, Apache Mall, Kwik Trip, Sam's Club, movie theaters); DVD movies (Monsters University, Dispicable Me 2, Planes, The Croods, Turbo, Epic); batteries sizes AAA, AA, C and D; book series (Twilight, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Hunger Games, A-Z mysteries); heavy-duty backpacks; flash drives and head phones.
Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. , 507-254-3952, P.O. Box 126, Rochester, MN. 55903
Serves: Families with childhood cancer being treated at Mayo Clinic.
Services provided: Outreach to families dealing with childhood cancer and treatment at Mayo Clinic. At time of a new diagnosis, families receive a Family Care Kit providing some financial relief and other essential items. They are invited to monthly family get-togethers witih dinner and support and, several times per year, to fun family events and an annual retreat so no family has to face a childhood cancer diagnosis alone.
Wish list:
• $15.00 gift cards to Target, Walmart, Toys R Us (Gifts for patients & siblings)
• $15.00 gift cards to Panera Bread
ADVERTISEMENT
• $50.00 gift cards to Kwik Trip
• $50.00 Visa cards
• $50.00 gift cards to HyVee
• Children/young adult (G or PG) DVDs of recent movies. Disney movies are always a good choice.
Bundles of Love , 507-288-3047, sewlikeme@msn.com , P. O. Box 7086, Rochester, MN 55901-7086
Serves: Infants of needy families
Services provided: Handmade clothing and blankets.
Wish list:Baby-appropriate yarn for afghans and sweaters, flannel for babies and Knit fabric for baby clothing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement , 287-2047 ext. 23, 903 W. Center St., Rochester, MN 55902
Serves: Refugees.
Services provided: Resettlement assistance to create new beginnings for refugees arriving with their life possessions in two suitcases.Over 75% of our refugees are children displaced by war and longing for the hope that comes from a new beginning.
Wish List: Alarm clocks, books of stamps, first aid kits, cash donations to sustain program. Please indicate: Refugee Program on your check.
Channel One Regional Food Bank and Food Shelf, 507-287-2350, info@channel-one.org , www.helpingfeedpeople.org , 131 35th St. S.E., Rochester MN 55904
Serves: Olmsted County residents who do not have enough food for the month.
Services provided: A five-day supply of food once per month to low-income people and families, including seniors and individuals with physical or mental-health disabilities, working families and individuals and people in times of crisis due to job loss, medical problems or personal disaster.Channel One can provide enough food for five meals with the donation of every dollar.
Wish list:Non perishable food items, including:Rice and pasta, baking supplies (oil, sugar, flour), canned or boxed main dishes, peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruit, canned protein items (tuna, chicken, ham, beef stew, and chili), cash donations.
Community Food Response ,Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church at 810 3rd St. S.E., 507-281-5061
Serves: Anyone in need of ready-to-eat meals.
Services provided: Volunteers rescue excess food from area restaurants and cafeterias and provides it to the needy. Food is distributed in take-home containers. No proof of eligibility is required to receive food.
Wish list:
• Volunteers — daytime drivers to transport food from area restaurants to Bethel Lutheran Church, where food is distributed to the hungry. Daytime opening shift leaders (training provided) to supervise volunteers unloading and sorting food are also needed.
• Money — no gift is too large or small. Consider the $20 for 20 Campaign celebrating the organization's 20th year serving the needy of Rochester. Donate online at http://communityfoodreponse.org or mail checks to Community Food Response, 810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
• Canned goods; high protein foods (chili, soup, etc.) are needed for times when rescued food is not available and clients need hearty meals.
Cronin Home, Inc. , 825 W. Silver Lake Drive N.E., 507-282-1204, Rochester, MN 55906
Serves: Adults with chronic chemical dependency; 44 men and women who struggle with homelessness and mental-health concerns.
Services include: Safe, sober, supportive housing.
Wish list:Blankets, laundry baskets, Wal-Mart gift cards, resident bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, pillows, pillowcases. Gas cards and oil-change gift certificates for staff van, heavy plastic or ceramic soup/cereal bowls, silverware, bus passes for residents, Band-Aids, etc.
Dorothy Day Hospital House , 507-282-5172 (before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.) seven days a week, 703 1st St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55902
Serves: Individuals who have no home, including men, women and, sometimes, children.
Services provided: Temporary crisis food and overnight overnight housing.
Wish list: Men's socks, Men's XL sweatshirts, hats, gloves, baked goods and gifts cars to Target, KMart and Walmart for volunteers to purchase needed items for the house.
Elder Network , 507-285-5272, 1130-1/2 7th St. N.W., Suite 205, Rochester, MN 55901
Serves: Adults age 55 and "better" in Olmsted County.
Services provided: For more than 25 years, help for seniors and their families as they adjust to various aging issues in Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha counties. Peer support, caregiver support including respite, support groups and education, companions, friendly visitors, transportation and education on aging issues.
Wish list:Gift cards, including grocery and gas cards; paper products (paper plates, napkins, paper towels, etc.); flip charts; markers; stamps; coffee/tea; training room furniture; aging and caregiver books; volunteer time, grant writing skills and financial contributions.
Elgin Area Food Shelf, 507-876-0112, 25 E. Main St., Elgin, MN 55932
Serves: Needy families in Plainview-Elgin school district.
Services provided: Supplemental food.
Wish list: Gift cards for needy families, children's toys for ages 10 and under.
Gift of Life Transplant House , 507-288-7470, office@gift-of-life.org , 705 Second St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55902
Serves: Persons awaiting and recovering from transplants.
Services provided: Gift of Life provides "A Home That Helps and Heals" for solid-organ, bone-marrow and stem-cell transplant patients and their families. Compassion, healing and hope for patients of all ages from all over the world.
Wish list:TV's — 42 inch or larger flat screen, new couches, laundry baskets,$30 for a guest room night, paper towels, paper napkins, liquid hand soap — large refill bottles, liquid dish soap, hand sanitizer refills, regular and decaffeinated coffee, Scrubbing Bubbles,Soft Scrub — Lemon, toilet bowl cleaner.
Good News Children's Center, info@goodnewschildrenscenter.org , 2645 N. Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906
Serves: Children ages 6 weeks to 6 years of all incomes.
Services provided: Non-profit licensed childcare agency for learning experiencs to ensure growth and development for life-long success.
Wish list:Disposable diapers, all sizes; infant formula andstrained food (blended meals); diaper wipes; size 6 month to 3T blanket sleepers; washable large bibs andlearning toys (counting, sorting, ABC's, puzzles, etc.) for ages infant to preschool;
art materials (paints, markers, crayons, colored construction paper, glue sticks, finger paint);Play-Doh assorted colors; soothing music; multi-cultural musical instruments; building toys (Connex, lego, etc.) ages 2 to 6; computer games appropriate for age 4 to 6;24 Washable white boards and marker sets; hard board books for infants and toddlers, books forages 3, 4, 5, 6; boys and girls snow boots sizes 6 to 13; boys and girls waterproof winter mittens small to large.
Hands For Humanity , 507-282-9256, Kwelp@handsforhumanity.com , 2053 Silver Creek Court N.E., Rochester, MN 55906
Serves: An orphanage in Portoviejo, Ecuador.
Services provided: Working alongside the orphanage for the past six years, providing basic items kids a few months old to 18 are always in need of.
Wish list: Hair ties, hygiene products, sandals, underwear, towels, wash cloths, cash donations to help purchase groceries.
Hiawatha Homes Inc. , 507-289-7222, tthompson@hiawathahomes.org , 1820 Valkyrie Drive N.W., Rochester MN 55901
Serves: Children and adults with disabilities and families.
Services provided: Supports individuals live as independently as possible in the community, dedicated to providing person-driven support services.
Wish list: Gift certificates for movie tickets and restaurants, DVD movies and music CDs.
Homeless Service Team at Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center , 507-535-5656, sherylb@zumbromhc.org , 29 7th St. N.E., Rochester, MN 55904
Serves: Adults in need of housing.
Services provided: Assistance finding safe, affordable housing.
Wish list: Bus passes, gift cards for food, warm socks, gloves and hats, grooming supplies, sleeping bags, L-XL sweatshirts
Hope Lodge (Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge) ,507-529-4673, jammie.mcguire@cancer.org , 411 2nd Street N.W., Rochester MN 55901
Serves: Adults undergoing daily outpatient cancer treatment.
Services provided: A home away from home at no cost.
Wish list:DVD Players, pillows, night lights/night light bulbs, powered iced tea/lemonade, gift cards (gas stations, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Target, local restaurants, plastic forks, knives, spoons).
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester, 507-281-3122
Serves: Families with children experiencing homelessness in Rochester.
Services provided: The network and its volunteers provide food, shelter, a caring environment and case management to help families find stability. Families seek temporary shelter through Interfaith so they can transition to independent living. Their needs for gifts is greatest during the early period when they transition to independent living.
Wish list:Laundry baskets, hangers, broom and dust pan, laundry soap, dryer sheets, bath towels, wash clothes, bathmat, bath rugs, shower curtain, shower liner, shower-curtain rings, waste basket, toilet-bowl brush, toilet-bowl cleaner, liquid hand soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair dryer, bed comforter set, sheets (queen, double, twin) blankets (queen, double, twin), wastebasket, hangers, bedside lamp, fan, kitchen rugs, doormat, mop/bucket, floor cleaner, spray disinfected, dish soap, clock (wall or other), throw blankets, vacuum, microwave, pots, pans/fry pans, knives, silverware, dishes, glassware (plastic or glass), kitchen wastebasket, garbage bags, plastic storage containers, Ziploc baggies (all sizes), paper towels, dish clothes, dishtowels, hot pads, cookie sheets, cake pans, pizza pan, glass cookware, colander, baking utensils, kitchen utensils, dish soap.
LINK Program , (Josh) 507-226-3811, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, 816 South Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904 (Soldier's Field Plaza)
Serves: LINK stands for Living Independently with Knowledge and helps transition at-risk and homeless youth ages 16 to 21 to independence, including teens aging out of foster care, living in unstable homes or on the streets.
Services provided: Case management services, peer support, life skills coaching and assistance with job, educational, alumni groups and transitional housing.
Wish list: Kitchen dishtowels , bowls , plates , eating utensils , cooking utensils , drinking cups , cookie sheets, pots and pans , dish soap , wash rags , sponges , cleaning products for the kitchen and bathroom , measuring cups , coffee pot , baking dishes , crock pot , food storage containers , knife set , bath towels , bathroom rugs , shampoo and conditioner for adults and children , body wash (men, women and children), toothbrush and toothpaste , deodorant for men and women , body spray for men and women , wash clothes , luffas , razors for men and women , bath toys for young children , lotion for adults and children , diapers sizes newborn to 6 (especially needed are sizes 3, 4, 5 for diapers) , wipes , Pull Ups sizes 2T-3T and 4T-5T , clothes for females sizes XS-3X, clothes for males sizes M-2X, clothes for babies sizes newborn-5T, clothes for kids sizes XS(4/5)-XL(16) , pillows and pillow cases , fitted sheets for adults and children , flat sheets for adults and children , blankets for adults and children , comforters for adults and children , hangers for adults and children , household rugs , movies for adults and children , children toys for ages ranging from 4 to 13 , baby/toddler toys for ages newborn to 3 , gas cards (10- or 20-punch), bus passes , games for adults and children , items that a male or female teen would want such as gift cards (to places like RCTC bookstore, coffee shops, Wal-mart, Target, gas stations, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Toys R US ), prepaid phone cards (boost mobile, straight talk, etc.),new shoes,music CDs,kids games,kids toys.
Madonna Living Communities Foundation , 507-206-2219, sandy.molenda@bhshealth.org , 4001 19th Ave. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901
Serves: Individuals in need of short-term rehabilitative services in occupational, physical, speech; independent living, assisted living, home health and memory care.
Services provided: Short Term Rehabilitative Therapy, retirement housing focused on social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
Wish list:Bio-Step elliptical bike, $4,760; Welch Allyn Spot Vital Sign machines, 2 needed ($2,500 each).
Migrant Health Service, Inc. , 507-529-0503, kswitalski@migranthealthservice.org , 1926 College View Road S.E., Rochester, Mn 55904
Serves: Uninsured and underserved agricultural workers.
Services provided: Management of chronic diseases and primary health-care needs.
Wish list:Pill boxes, home automatic blood-pressure cuffs, thermometers.
Our Miracle Babies , 507-319-3425, admin@ourmiraclebabies.com, 310 10th Ave. N.E. Rochester, MN 55906
Serves: Families affected by complicated pregnancies, premature birth, infant loss and birth of babies with medical complications.
Services provided: Care and support for families affected by pregnancy complications, premature birth and infant loss.
Wish list:Handmade hats, booties and blankets the size to fit a baby doll (blankets can run 16" x 16" (crocheted or fleece tied) — given to all new Miracle Babies.
Rochester Community and Technical College Campus Lions Club Food Shelf , 507-536-5637, Joe Schlichenmeyer RCTC, Room EA 105, 851 30th Ave S.E. Rochester, MN 55904
Serves: Students.
Services provided: Food for students who might otherwise go to bed hungry.
Wish list: Nonperishable food items and personal hygiene products like toothpaste, soap, etc.
Red Cross , Southeast Minnesota Chapter ,310 14th St. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904
Serves: Families and individuals affected by trauma and disaster.
Services provided: Emergency assistance.
Wish list: Monetary donations and holiday gifts that support Red Cross at www.redcross.org/gifts .
Rochester Outreach Center, 507-226-8193,2450 Marion Rd. S.E., Rochester MN 55906
Serves: By creating jobs and finding ways to physically support those in need as part of a larger goal of seeing all involved grow and mature emotionally and spiritually.
Services provided:Collaborative Christian center designed to address the needs of socially disadvantaged people.
Wish list:Used and new clothing, volunteers, canned goods, quality outdoor signage, cash donations.
Ronald McDonald House, 507-282-3955, mschoepski@rmhmn.org, 850 2nd St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55902
Serves: Families who travel sometimes thousands of miles to seek medical care for their children.
Services provided: A "home away from home" and support to families.
Wish list:New toys for boys/girls ages newborn to 18;Kinex, remote-control cars, Nerf products, Lego products; craft kits, Rainbow Loom and rubber bands, Furby's; books; video games for Play Station 3, Xbox 360, Wii (rated E or Teen), handheld electronic games; hats, scarves, mittens, pajama pants; fashion scarves/jewelry; gift cards for iTunes,Toys R Us, Icing/Claires, ABC and Toy Zone, Old Navy, GameStop, Justice; gifts for parents like lotions, manicure sets; hats, scarves, gloves; slippers, fuzzy socks; books, crosswords, Sudoku;"Daddy/Mommy and Me" photo frames; gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, books stores, sporting goods stores; liquid laundry detergent; liquid dishwasher detergent; heavy-duty paper plates and bowls; styrofoam cups, paper towels,Kleenex; all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant wipes; nonperishable food.
Safe Haven Pet Rescue , 507-529-4079, P.O. Box 733, Rochester, MN 55903-9122
Serves: Cats and dogs in need of adoption.
Services provided: Rescue of abandoned andunwanted dogs and cats and places unclaimed petsinto new, loving homes.
Wish list:canned Friskies,9-Lives,Fancy Feast; dry cat food (Purina Special Care, regular and hairball,Iams Diet adult and kitten,Science Diet adult and kitten)Pro-Plan adult and kitten);Gerber Chicken and Gravy Baby Food,KMR kitten milk replacer (wet and dry),canned tuna (packed in water); cat litter non-scoopable clay only; cat toys (balls,stuffed mice,stick/pull toys); kitty condos, one- or two-level;garbage bags,dish and laundry soap,paper towels, liquid anti-bacterial hand soap;
alcohol,hand sanitizer,hydrogen peroxide; dry dog food,canned dog food,American-made rawhide bones,pig's ears,hard rubber toys.
Salvation Army , 507-288-3663, 20 1st Ave. N.E. Rochester MN 55906
Serves: Families and individuals in overcoming adversity.
Services provided: Meets human needs in Jesus' name without discrimination, striving to empower people and enable those in need to change their circumstances and overcome challenges and obstacles, serving body and spirit=.
Wish list: Gifts for teens age 12 to 18 and infants ages birth to 4 years; two-hour shifts of volunteer time to ring bells at area Red Kettles through Dec. 24 ( www.RegisterToRing.com ); art supplies, cleaning products, salon items; fancy shampoo, hairspray, curling iron, barretts, head bands, bobby pins, etc.
United Way of Olmsted County , 507-287-2000, uwoc@uwolmsted.org , 903 West Center St., Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55902
Serves: Those in need throughout Olmsted County.
Services provided: Services to to encourage a supportive, safe, educated, healthy and welcoming community.
Wish list:Volunteers to help United Way and other organizations. Be a reader, tutor or mentor for a student ( http://volunteer.truist.com/olmsted/org/opp/medallions/?medallion_id=10511543785 ), first-class postage stamps, backpacks for Running Start for School Initiative, self-stick flip charts.
Wabasha County Faith in Action , 507-534-1244, wabashacofia@gmail.com, 346 Broadway West, Plainview, MN 55904
Serves: Seniors and handicapped individuals in Wabasha County to help seniors and handicapped individuals remain living in their homes of choice.
Services provided: Last year, volunteers drove more than 38,500 miles to offer rides to and from doctor appointments and grocery stores for about 100 people. Friendly visits, respite care, home chores, and yard work are also provided.
Wish list:Gas cards or cash so that we may reimburse our volunteer drivers for gas. Also stamps, computer paper, envelopes, and printer ink for the office,
Welcome Center , 507-434-2863, 316 N. Main St., Austin, MN 55912
Serves: Mower County residents and families in need of emergency assistance.
Services provided: Personal-care items not available through food shelf at no cost on an emergency basis (not intended for long-term assistance).
Wish list: New, full-size personal-hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant, shavers, baby items including wipes, baby shampoo, lotion, pain reliever, laundry detergent, dish soap, facial tissue, toilet paper, etc.
WIC Program , 507-328-7555, kratky.laurie@co.olmsted.mn.us , 2100 Campus Dr. S.E. Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904
Serves: Women, infants and children.
Services provided:The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program serves at-risk, low income women (pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding), infants and children up to age 5.
Wish list: Disposable diapers size 1-6 (sizes 5-6 are needed most).
Women's Shelter Inc. , Call Elaine at 507-285-1010, ext. 133 to line up a place to pick up donations or Renee at 507-285-1010, ext. 102; P.O. Box 457, Rochester, MN 55903
Serves: Women and children who are survivors of domestic violence .
Services provided: Emergency housing and shelter.
Wish list:New bath sets, nail/manicure sets, new jewelry, journals, robes, slippers; gift cards for hair, nails or shopping; infant and toddler toys; blocks, easy puzzles, Barbie dolls and accessories; baby doll sets, kitchen play sets, doll houses and furniture; trucks, matchbox/Hotwheels, Legos; Lincoln Logs, building sets, teenage make-up kits; board games, educational toys, beading kits, model car kits, electronic games, gift cards.
