As we start a new year, many are looking for new ways to engage and give back to our community. The Barry County United Way is here to help fill those New Year’s resolutions of philanthropy by providing a variety of ways to volunteer, donate or support our local non-profit organizations. Each year the Barry County United Way collects a list of “needs” from our local agencies to help them better serve our community. We combine them all into one comprehensive listing for our community – our Barry County community who is always eager to support, volunteer and prove assistance to those in need.
The “New Year’s Needs” 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. 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 “New Year’s Needs” list follows:
Barry County Commission on Aging – Providing innovative services and resources to promote and support independence, dignity and quality of life throughout the journey of aging for Barry County seniors and their families.
Individually wrapped snacks for Birthday treats to Meals on Wheels recipients
BINGO prizes – sugar free candy, large print word searches or books, laundry soap, dish soap, lotion, paper products, small knick knacks or decorative items
Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers (Hastings Route) – time commitment of about 2 hours.
Financial contribution towards new facility project.
Contact Courtney Ziny, 269-948-4856
Barry County United Way – Improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of Barry County Communities.
Volunteers for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program – no experience necessary. We will train.
For the Fresh Food Initiative: peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, boxed mac and Cheese, boxed cereal
Contact Morgan Johnson, 269-945-4010
CASA for Kids Barry County – Court Appointed Special Advocates provide long-term, highly trained advocates to children 0-18 who are in foster care. CASA ensures that the needs of the child are met, their voices are heard, and they are in a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.
Gift cards
Warm socks, gloves, mittens, hats, boots
Art & craft items
Games
Contact Shelley Doezema, 517-331-2662
Family Support Center of Barry County – A Barry County United Way funded agency that provides services and supports related to the prevention of child chase and neglect in Barry County.
Diapers
Fitted crib sheets
Diaper wipes
Gift Cards – Walmart, Shell gas
Copy machine paper
Contact Bill Mattson, 269-945-5439
Green Gables Haven – Their mission is to provide a temporary, secure, nurturing environment and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence in Barry County.
Gift Cards – Family Fare in $10 or $20 denominations.
NEW standard bed pillows
Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towel, tall kitchen trash bags, Clorox wipes, zip lock bags of all sizes
Personal hygiene items
GGH does NOT accept clothing, bedding or household items are this time.
Contact Christy Durham, 269-804-6021
Habitat for Humanity – Helps low-income families in need of affordable housing.
Metal brake for use in home construction
Gas cards for ReStore truck doing pick up
Gift cards to cover cleaning and office supplies
Volunteers – ReStore and/or New home build in 2025
Contact Cindy Preston or Kim Jansens, 269-948-9939
Hastings Public Library – Serves the community with materials to borrow, computer & WiFi access, programming and gathering spaces. Everyone is welcome.
Monetary donations for cost of installing automatic door openers on all restrooms
Contact David Edelman, 269-945-4263
Manna’s Market, Inc – Provides support through an onsite food pantry, clothing bank and baby pantry serving all of Barry County and parts of Ionia and Eaton Counties.
Volunteers!
Food – Eggs and baked beans
Household – facial tissue, toilet paper, paper towel
Installation of insulation, cabinets, stove, and sinks for kitchen
Contact Jayne Flanigan, 269-838-5887
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute – set on 850 acres in rural Barry County. PCCI, is a mix between an environmental education center, nature center, and biological field station, provides visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.
Volunteers!
- Land Stewardship
- Collecting and cleaning native seeds. Various upcoming dates
- Trail Adopters – Keep a section of the trail clean monthly with monitoring and vegetation clearing.
Contact Drew Vandegrift, 269-721-4198
The Shack – A totally free outreach providing clothing, shoes, bedding, towels and more – available to everyone regardless of income or residency. Run completely on donations and volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS!
Winter gloves
NEW underwear – all sizes
Warm socks
2 – heavy duty outdoor camping chairs
Patio Umbrellas
Contact Kathy Forsyth, 269-207-2515
