This year has been difficult for many and our local non-profit agencies have been working hard to meet the needs of our Barry County residents the best that they can. This time of year, the Barry County United Way collects “Wish Lists” from our local agencies to help them better serve our community. With services adapting to our changing economy and many agencies offering different delivery methods for their programs, this leaves a great need for additional resources, items and volunteer time right now. Barry County is fortunate to have many people in our community who are eager and able to support, volunteer and provide assistance, but it’s not always clear what help is needed.
The “Christmas Wish List” provides a way for individuals to personalize gifts for agencies in our community that serve residents throughout Barry County. While many of the agencies have listed “items” they would like to receive, others are in need of volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in the work that area agencies do and can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those they assist.
For more information contact Morgan Johnson at the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 269-945-4010. “Christmas Wish List” items can be dropped off at the local agency that is requesting the item or can be brought to the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 231 S. Broadway in Hastings for distribution.
The “Christmas Wish List” follows:
Barry County Cares fosters a practical expression of the Love of Christ in a broken world. They do this by assisting people in need to connect them with people, programs and services in the community that address their particular need. Some of the most common needs are food, personal care items and help with utility bills and rent.
Monetary donations to continue programming
Printer ink for a Brother MFC-8890dw printer
Printer ink for HP 8710 Officejet Pro (952)
Contact Tina Horrigan at 269-948-9555
Barry County Commission on Aging offers assistance to residents age 600 and over who with the remain independent in their own homes, including Meals on Wheels, Homecare, minor home repair, dementia day service and educational and wellness programs.
5 Amazon Fire tablets
10 Pedometers: 3-D active, 3-D Fit Bud
Word search, Sudoku, and crossword puzzle books
Cleaning supplies for homecare clients
Massage of weekend spa care packages for essential workers
Contact Tammy Pennington at 269-948-4856
The Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center is improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of Barry County communities. Programs include: information & referral, Fresh Food Initiative, homeless prevention, Volunteer Center, Veteran’s Affairs, and the Toys for Barry County Kids Christmas Program.
NEW toys for any age for the Toys for Barry County Kids program
Wrapping paper
Board games for Christmas program
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program volunteers
Contact Morgan Johnson at 269-945-4010
Coverings4U gives a variety of new and gently used household items to those in need in Barry County.
Volunteers to sort and pick up/deliver donations
A truck to use for donations
Larger facility so they can expand
Small and large kitchen appliances, bakeware and mixing bowls
Kitchen and bath towels
Contact Suzanne Arias at 616-219-0753
Delton Kellogg Schools is a public-school system who is seeking volunteers to help clean up their campus – picking up litter, raking leaves, etc.
Contact Kyle Corlett at 269-623-1501
Family Promise of Barry County provides temporary housing and personalized mentoring to families experiencing homelessness.
Sturdy disposable plates, cups, bowls and utensils
Paper products – tissues, toilet paper, paper towels
Clorox Wipes
Barry County Transit passes and gas cards ($10-$20)
Volunteers to serve ad Day Center attendants on Sunday morning and afternoons
K Cups (Keurig cups) – Coffee, hot chocolate, latte
Room deodorizers and Febreze
Over the counter medicine for adults and children (Tylenol, cough medicine, antacids, etc). NEW, NOT expired
Full size bottles of Shampoo, Conditioner, body wash and other toiletries for adults and kids
White bath towels and washcloths
Contact Martha Ports, 269-953-6189
Green Gables Haven is Barry County’s only domestic violence shelter and provides emergency shelter to women and children. GGH also provides food, personal hygiene items, legal advocacy and counseling support to its clients.
Toilet paper, paper towel, paper plates
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Zip lock bags, storage containers
Gift cards to local grocery stores and gas stations
Bleach, Lysol, hand soap
Contact Christy Durham at 269-945-4777
Manna’s Market is a food, clothing and baby pantry serving all of Barry County.
New children’s pajamas
New children’s underwear
New children’s and adult socks
Volunteers to work monthly during open hours serving clients
Volunteers to work Wednesday morning sorting and handing clothing
Contact Jayne Flanigan at 269-838-5887
The Shack is a volunteer run free clothing outreach that is open to everyone regardless of residency or income (located in Delton).
Retractable Awnings (2)
Sidewalk Repairs (front and side)
Signage (LED or Stencil)
Gift Cards for office supplies
Poster board, markers, duct tape, air fresheners, toilet paper, paper towel
Sandwich board signs
Bottled water
Dehumidifier
Lumber for a shed
Contact Kathy Forsyth at 269-207-2515
YMCA of Barry County provides enrichment for families. Their programs are affordable and they also offer financial assistance for those who qualify. Youth programs are available such as Camp Algonquin, childcare, sports, recreation and swim. Along with Y on the Fly, the B.Bus mobile library and senior fitness classes.
Toy and activities for youth children at Y on the Fly (look for their Amazon Wishlist)
Vest style life jackets for summer campers
Gas cards for food delivery vehicles
New chainsaw for clearing trails
Small volunteer groups to complete projects throughout the year
Contact Jon Sporer at 269-945-4574
