As Christmas is quickly approaching, the needs in the community are greater than ever. 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 Conservation District assesses local natural resource needs and offers programs/projects to meet those needs. Work includes: forestry assistance, agricultural conservation practice assistance, invasive species management, water quality protection, education, youth outreach, habitat restoration and more.
Volunteers – Stewardship for habitat work days and office volunteers
Donate $100 and have an oak planted in your name on a habitat site
Donations for Youth Day
Contact Sarah Nelson, 269-908-4135
Barry County Animal Shelter is dedicated to caring for an improving the quality of life for the animals of Barry County residents.
10 snow shovels
6’ slip rope dog leashes – Remington Brand
Commercial grade dish washer
Dog friendly ice melt/salt
Oatmeal based dog shampoo
Contact Marcia or Ken, 269-948-4885
Barry County Humane Society is a non-profit organization providing for the pets and other animals of Barry County through their pet food pantry, COA Pet Meals on Wheels program, helping to fund the TNR program, education programs for children, offering $20 spay day certificates, and many other programs.
Monetary donations for office supplies
Pet food: dog and cat, canned and dry
Volunteers to help with off site fundraising
Contact Mary Fisher, 269-945-0602
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
Contact Morgan Johnson, 269-945-4010
Commission on Aging provides community and homebound services designed to help Barry County’s old adults, aged 60 and over, remain in their own homes.
Meals on Wheels truck
3 – iPad type tablets for Dementia clients in daycare
10 tripod easels
Cat & dog treats for Meals on Wheels routes
High quality bird food
NEW items for BINGO
Games- Crossword puzzle books, SkipBo, 2 Qwirkle games
DeCaf Coffee
Gift cards to purchase plants for Daycare patio
Long Pop Up tent
Lightweight 8ft plastic dining tables
Padded folding chairs
Kinetic Sand
Canvas for art projects
Small disposable dessert plates
“Poise” bladder control pads
Size L, XL pull up style adult briefs
Contact Tammy Pennington, 269-948-4856
Green Gables Haven is a domestic violence shelter serving those in crisis situations.
Paper products – Paper towel, toilet paper
Cleaning products – High efficiency laundry soap, Lysol/Clorox wipes
Personal care items: shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, deodorant, toothpaste
Contact Christy Liabenow, 269-945-4777
Habitat for Humanity Barry County works with low-income families to build or renovate housing. They also operate a ReStore to help raise funds and provide affordable hard goods to the community.
Property in Middleville school district for next family
Safety staircase for ReStore (8ft)
Volunteers to build, work in the ReStore and do bookkeeping
Gift cards for building supply stores
Board members
Contact Cindy Preston, 269-948-9939
Historic Charlton Park and recreation area provides educational opportunities, options for outdoor enthusiasts, an array of special events and a unique place to hold a family gathering. They offer opportunities to learn, relax and have fun.
Donation of Cookies and/or candy canes for “Of Christmas Past” event (December 9 & 10)
Volunteer time for “Of Christmas Past”
Contact Shannon Pinkster, 269-945-3775
Hope Network Transportation Service of Barry County, formerly American Red Cross, provides rides to Barry County residents going to medical or dental appointments within a 45 mile radius of downtown Hastings.
Volunteer drivers throughout Barry County
Volunteer office help
Monetary donations
Transit tickets
Contact Judith Loofboro, 269-331-6007
Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit no-kill dog sanctuary helping dogs find loving, forever homes.
Volunteers
Small sized treats
English slip leads (6ft)
Cleaning Supplies
Martingale collars (any size)
Contact Autumn Russell-Huber, 616-693-2490 Ext 5
Maple Valley Community Center of Hope is a non-profit organization located in Nashville that provides a box of food weekly to 100 families in the Nashville, Vermontville and Woodland areas. They also provide a free store for all including a baby pantry.
Monetary donations to buy food and diapers
Volunteers to build shelving in basement
Volunteers to help with Free Store
Contact Rev. Nancy Fancher, 517-852-0664
Michigan Audubon Society – Otis Farm Sanctuary connects birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education and research. The Otis Farm Sanctuary is 128 acres of rolling prairie, oak forest, and fen – open to the public and home to a wide variety of bird species and some rare wildlife.
Volunteers – habitat work/stewardship, to help fundraise for Cerulean Warbler Weekend, to lead educational programs.
Monetary donations – $100 to have an oak planted in your name in the Savanna Project.
Contact Sarah Nelson, 269-908-4135
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is a nature center, environmental education center, and biological field station. Donations will be used for science and engineering activities with elementary students from Barry County.
Zip-top baggies (gallon or 2 gallon)
Pencils and crayons
Washable paints
Kids coats and snowpants (size 4T – adult, new or gently used)
Tape (duct, masking, packing and scotch tape)
Contact Sara Syswerda, 269-721-4434
Southeastern Elementary is a school where teaching is a passion. Teachers go above and beyond to assist and provide for the needs of the students. Classrooms are full of rich learning opportunities in addition to supporting both the social and emotional needs of their students.
Astrobrights colored copy paper (by the case)
White card stock
3 Volunteers to start a lunch walking club
iPad
Amazon gift cards, gas cards
Contact Dana Stein, 269-945-6177
Spectrum Health Pennock Volunteer Services offers a comprehensive program that contributes to compassionate, quality care for patients and families. The volunteer services department handles all volunteer opportunities at the hospital.
Gift shop volunteers, greeters for State Street/Urgent Care
Contact Sarah Staple, 269-948-5885
Star Elementary is a Hastings Area Schools elementary for children young K through 5th grade.
Headphones (not earbuds)
Starpie Markers
Dry erase whiteboard markers
Classroom volunteers
Band aids
Electric Pencil Sharpener
Children’s seats for flexible seating – rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, wiggle seats, gamer chairs)
Lap desks
Cubby system
Pencils
Sticky notes
Physical Education swimming volunteers
HP Printer 4400 ink cartridges – black and color
Contact Megan VanWyk, 269-945-6172
Thornapple Area Parks & Recreation Commission is committed to providing area families the opportunity to learn and grow through a variety of affordable, safe and healthy recreational activities.
Utility Vehicle – to maintain their 6 ballfields
Spike drag – for infield stone dust maintenance
Utility trailer – to transport utility vehicle and accessories between ball fields
Contac Catherine Getty, 269-953-3151
WK Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and through research, education and outreach help people gain environmental awareness about our past, present and future.
Suet Cakes
Thistle seed
Bleach
Distilled white vinegar
Double sided one-inch Scotch brand tape
Contact Lisa Duke, 269-671-2510
YMCA of Barry County is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Their programs are available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.
Life jackets
Paddle board paddles
First aid supplies
Volunteer groups
Camping tents and hammocks
Outboard motor for rescue boat
Contact Jon Sporer, 269-945-4574
