From the Harrisburg PA newspaper---I'm sure similar needs exist in your areas:

Dear reader,
While you're shopping for Walking Buzz Lightyear or Barbie's Dreamplane this season, local nonprofits are hoping you'll also consider their requests on our Holiday Wish List.

The annual list publishes Thanksgiving week on PennLive and will appear in the Dec. 8 edition of The Sunday Patriot-News.

This year's Wish List is chock full of heartfelt, specific asks from more than 100 charities for much needed goods and services. They range from winter coats for the Center for Employment Opportunities in Harrisburg to silent auction theme baskets for St. Catherine Laboure to new bed pillows for Safe Harbor in Carlisle.

If you represent a non-profit and want to participate, there's still time to make your needs known by filling out our online form no later than Monday.

The Wish List is a longtime PennLive/Patriot-News tradition. It's compiled with care by our terrific admin, Janet Krajcsik, who's been handling those duties for at least 10 years.

Cheryl Hornung, founder of Caitlin's Smiles, makes sure her children's charity takes advantage of the holiday offering every year. She said it gets results.

"Response ranges from individuals stopping by and dropping off a book a two to businesses and clubs still looking for their holiday charity. Also, surprises in Amazon boxes sent to our office with messages such as, 'Thanks for spreading smiles to children in hospitals' is awesome!" says Cheryl. "After the busy season, we'll often be contacted by groups for speaking engagements, collections, etc., because they saw our wish list and want to help."

Everyone can find ways to give to groups on the list, regardless of income. There are lots of roll-up-your-sleeves volunteer opportunities. Friends of Jazz needs help setting up for concerts in a variety of venues. Millerstown firefighters are asking for help putting a new roof on their firehouse. BunnyPeople wants volunteers to feed rabbits and clean cages. The list goes on for several pages.

And even if you're in the camp with those who think Christmas shouldn't be rushed, it's always the season to give.


Til next week,

Cate Barron
President
PennLive & The Patriot-News