Wish List 2020: Here’s how you can help local nonprofits this holiday season and beyond

In this unprecedented year, helping others has never been more important and impactful than it is now.

Local charities and nonprofits have taken a huge hit in 2020. These nonprofits, most of which are volunteer run, are in need of assistance as they continue to serve the communities all around us.

As part of this year’s wish list, local nonprofit organizations submitted items they are in need of the most. If you’re looking to help out this holiday season, you can use this list to see how it would be most impactful for these local organizations.

The needs of animal rescue groups is grouped separately and can be found at the bottom of the list.

A New Tomorrow, 1429 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA 17103.

• Mission: Provides transitional housing for women who have recently been released from incarceration of treatment facilities. The safe and sober living environment allows them to work on their goals of employment, recovery, and family reunification.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to assist women with rent. 2) Toiletries and linens (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, soap, shampoo, towels, wash clothes, sheets, blankets). 3) Bus passes.
• Contact: Geri Forrest and Edith Cook, 717-565-1968, [email protected].

American Lung Association in Pennsylvania, 3001 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

• Mission: Strives to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The association does this through education, advocacy, and research.
• Wishes: 1) People to purchase washable, reusable multi-ply masks in “American Lung Association blue.” Currently, “buy 2, give 2:” Buy two for you and the association will give two masks to someone in need. 2) People to purchase the 2021 American Lung Association Firefighter Calendar. 3) Give the gift of a smoke-free future by purchasing a one-year membership to the online Freedom From Smoking Program to help someone quit smoking.
• Contact: Valerie Gleason at [email protected] or 717-971-1123.

Amiracle4sure, 1735 State St., Harrisburg, PA 17103.

• Mission: Provide services and resources to individuals and their families who have been impacted by our criminal justice system; to improve their lives after incarceration and other life changing experiences.
• Wishes: 1) Cleaning supplies. 2) Paper goods. 3) COVID-19 prevention kits.
• Contact: Marsha Banks at 717-603-0444.

Annie E. Sterline Library, 308 Market St./P.O. Box 324, Lewisberry, PA 17339.

• Mission: A totally volunteer-run, independent public library (receiving no state/federal funds) that relies on book donations and fundraisers. Provides activities and programs, and strives to instill the love of reading in children.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to help pay rent to the Borough of Lewisberry; library is located in the former Lewisberry schoolhouse. 2) Volunteers to sort books for sales, assist in the library, and help with the annual book/bake sales. 3) Book donations.
• Contact: Sandy Fogle at [email protected] or [email protected].

Caitlin’s Smiles, 3303 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

• Mission: Donates arts and craft supplies to children in hospitals.
• Wishes: 1) Coloring books. 2) Foam stickers. 3) Puzzle books (Sudoka, crossword, word search).
• Contact: [email protected].

Central Dauphin Panther Ram Foundation NutriPacks Program, 600 Rutherford Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109.

• Mission: Support food insecure children in the school district by distributing food to elementary and middle school students at no cost; currently provides 6 to 10 pounds of food every week to each of those students and their families.
• Wishes: 1) Strawberry or grape jelly in plastic jars. 2) Canned vegetables. 3) Monetary donations for purchasing food items.
• Contact: [email protected].

Central PA Operation Warm Hearts, 514 W. Elmwood Ave., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

• Mission: Makes hats, scarves, gloves, no-sew fleece blankets and sleeping mats, as well as provides new socks and face masks, to distribute to shelters and family life centers in York, Cumberland and Dauphin counties.
• Wishes: 1) New socks. 2) Fleece blankets (50-by-60 inches). 3) Packing tape.
• Contact: Emily Gochenaur at 717-516-5601.

Central Pennsylvania Literacy Council, 225 Hummel Ave., Rear, Lemoyne, PA.

• Mission: Provide confidential, individual tutoring to adults for free (by appointments only). Adults seek help with English skills, GED preparation, citizenship test preparation and other life skills.
• Wishes: 1) Volunteers and tutors to help adults improve their lives. 2) New chairs for working at desks and at computers. 3) Monetary donations to sponsor internet subscriptions and educational materials.
• Contact: Carole Sawchuck, executive director, at [email protected] or 717-763-7522.

Central Pa Repeater Association (CPRA), 210 Meadow Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

• Mission: Amateur radio organization supporting emergency communication when internet, phones and public safety are compromised or needs exceed current capacity.
• Wish: 1) Monetary donations to improve radio link at a total of $1100.
• Contact: [email protected].

Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central PA, 2701 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17110;

• Mission: Help children in central Pennsylvania that have dyslexia succeed in their education by providing free one-on-one tutoring through a nationally-recognized, multisensory approach and offering a certification program for educators.
• Wishes: 1) Commercial laminator. 2) iPads. 3) Monetary donations to purchase iPads.
• Contact: [email protected].

Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

• Mission: Preserve the historic Overlook Mansion using it to support multiple nonprofits.
• Wishes: 1) Two, free-standing, hand sanitizer stations. 2) Personal protection equipment (masks, gloves, hand sanitizer). 3) Floor fan.
• Contact: [email protected].

The Clinic, 143 Church St., Phoenixville, PA 19460.

• Mission: A free clinic providing quality healthcare to the uninsured, while fostering dignity and respect for the patients, as part of a primary care facility that also offers pediatrics, cardiology, pulmonary, orthopedics, allergy, dermatology, physical therapy and nutrition counseling.
• Wishes: 1) Funding for lab costs (a constant need). 2) Contractors (older building is in need of repairs/exterior painting). 3) Gift cards to grocery stores.
• Contact: Wendy Wellener at [email protected] or 610-935-1134, ext. 33.

Cocoa Packs, 500 Homestead Road, Hershey PA, 17033.

• Mission: Ensure all school-aged children in Derry Township School District and the surrounding area are food secure every day of the year. New this year is a holiday program to give new, unwrapped, trending gifts to children and teens and create a store where families can shop for their children.
• Wishes: 1) New, unwrapped, trending gifts for kids and teens. 2) Monetary donations to purchase gifts. 3) Gift cards to stores that kids and teens enjoy.
• Contact: Jessica at [email protected].

Community CARES, 50 W. Penn St., Carlisle, PA 17013.

• Mission: Serve and strengthen the community by providing emergency shelter, resources, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Wishes: 1) Tents. 2) Tarps. 3) HotHands Warmers (single-use, air-activated heat packs providing warmth in hands, feet and body sizes).
• Contact: [email protected].

Community Check-Up Center, 38 C Hall Manor, Harrisburg, PA 17104.

• Mission: Provide compassionate, comprehensive, bilingual health care to Harrisburg’s most impoverished children, women and their families. No one is turned away due to inability to pay or any other life circumstance.
• Wishes: 1) Pediatric blood pressure cuffs (large and small sizes). 2) New books for children of all races and ages. 3) Monetary donations toward the purchase of a new Pediatric Lead Testing System.
• Contact: Shari Bellish at [email protected] or 717-233-1700.

CONTACT Helpline, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 150A, Harrisburg, PA 17109.

• Mission: Provide Pennsylvania residents of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Juniata, Lancaster, Mifflin, Perry and York counties with free, confidential, emotional, listening support and PA211, Health and Human Services information and referral hotlines.
• Wishes: 1) Volunteers to help answer the helplines. 2) Monetary donations to help cover the cost of the phone system.
• Contact: [email protected].

Created 2 Serve, Harrisburg area.

• Mission: A Christian organization aiding those in need: Addressing the needs of seniors and the homeless; helping children and educators with school supplies.
• Wishes: 1) Personal care items for men, women and children. 2) School supplies. 3) Gift cards to help obtain the first two wishes.
• Contact: [email protected].

Cumberland County Search and Rescue Team 400 (CCSAR400), 1 Public Safety Drive, Carlisle PA 17013.

• Mission: Provide trained search and rescue resources to aid local and regional public safety agencies in response to lost or missing person incidents, with special need in areas where there are little to none. A statewide radio system is now being used, it is a business band digital Motorola network.
• Wishes: 1) Ten radios with associated batteries, chargers, antennas and microphones (at a total of $10,000). 2) Three new laptops for command operations (old laptop batteries no longer hold a charge). 3) Monetary donations for coats (5.11 coats are used for working in extreme conditions, cost is approximately $250-$300 each).
• Contact: [email protected].

Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), 2080 Linglestown Road, Suite 107, Harrisburg, PA.

• Mission: Advocate for children in foster care due to abuse or neglect by recruiting, training and assigning volunteers to provide advocacy for children removed from their homes.
• Wishes: 1) Volunteers who are willing to train and commit to following the child’s care for up to a minimum of 18 months. 2) Help with social media to share the website to spread the mission of this charity.
• Contact: Christine Pfau Laney, executive director, at 717-888-9973.

Daystar Center for Spiritual Recovery, 125 N. 18th St., Harrisburg, PA 17103.

• Mission: Serve individuals and families through community-based, holistic, residential treatment for those recovering from substance use disorders. Treatment includes counseling, case management, spiritual guidance, compassionate support, education and practice of daily life skills.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations for clothes and supplies for the residents. 2) Non-perishable food for the residents. 3) Cat food for pet therapy.
• Contact: Fern Wilcox at [email protected].

Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance, 78 E. Main St., Mount Joy, PA 17552.

• Mission: Supply supportive approaches to addiction by educating, equipping and supporting individuals, families and communities.
• Wishes: 1) Hygiene products/toiletries for Care Kits. 2) Sponsors for a Care Kit for a $25 donation. 3) Volunteers to put together Care Kits.
• Contact: Stacy Emminger at [email protected] or 717-492-4596.

Downtown Daily Bread, 234 South St., Harrisburg; mailing address is 310 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

• Mission: Provide basic human services to the hundreds of homeless and hungry people in the Harrisburg community by offering a soup kitchen, day shelter, winter-season night shelter, and numerous assistance programs.
• Wishes: 1) Travel-size shampoo and body wash. 2) Twin-sized blankets for its day and winter-season overnight shelter. 3) Monetary donations ($10 provides breakfast or lunch for five people; $30 helps three people do laundry).
• Contact: Susan Cann at [email protected].

The Earl Besch Project, 2627 Chestnut St., Camp Hill, PA 17011.

• Mission: Help families in need in the Camp Hill School District by giving a bi-monthly box or monthly support of nutritious healthy foods and household necessities, as well as covering costs of field trips, camps, sports fees and to purchase winter coats. Pantry is located in the Fiala Building, at Fiala Field.
• Wishes: 1) Collapsible wagon. 2) Foldable platform dolly. 3) Refrigerator or freezer for pantry.
• Contact: Lynette Pertschi at [email protected] or 717-649-1933.

Ecumenical Food Pantry, 901 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA 17102.

• Mission: Provide a 3-day supply of emergency food assistance to those in need residing in the greater Harrisburg area (currently serving five days per week/more than 1,770 people monthly).
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations toward purchasing non-perishable and perishable food items. 2) Personal hygiene items for those in need. 3) Volunteers to serve during operation hours (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays).
• Contact: ef[email protected] or 717-233-6889 (call during operation hours).

Fair Housing Council of the Capital Region, 2100 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA.

• Mission: Ensure all Harrisburg area residents have access to safe and affordable housing, free from all forms of discrimination; the education and empowerment of all citizens in the areas of homeownership, landlord/tenant rights and to enhance opportunities through effective housing, budget and credit counseling.
• Wishes: 1) Business size printer/copier/scanner. 2) Assistance with removal and disposal of nonworking/unusable electronic equipment. 3) Volunteers to repair plaster, flooring and repaint one bathroom.
• Contact: [email protected].

Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region, 56 Erford Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

• Mission: Empower families, through relationships and skill building, to move from homelessness to home.
• Wishes: 1) Baby wipes. 2) Volunteers for the Day Center (mostly answering phones and taking messages). 3) Monetary donations to baby wipes and similar supplies.
• Contact: [email protected].

Forget-Me-Not Prom Wear, 16 White Pine Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.

• Mission: Provide free formal wear, including gowns and men’s suits, jewelry, and shoes for youth who are financially disadvantaged or are in foster care.
• Wishes: 1) Large industrial garment racks on wheels. 2) Monetary donations for dry cleaning gowns/suits, purchasing hangers and printing needs. 3) Low cost rental building to store and host events (preferably in the Hershey/Hummelstown area).
• Contact: Ann Bickelman at [email protected] or 717-319-6424.

Friends of Midland, 503 S. Second St./206 Keller St., Swatara Twp., PA 17113.

• Mission: Continue with restoration and preservation of the historic Midland Cemetery: Restoring headstones (lifting and resetting) with the help of monument company and volunteers.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to hire the monument company to reset fallen and/or sunken headstones. 2) Volunteers to assist with maintaining the fencing, building and other assignments in the spring. 3) Volunteers to assist with digging of flagged areas to locate headstones.
• Contact: [email protected] or 717-579-0003.

Gather the Spirit for Justice, 124 S. 13th St., Harrisburg.

• Mission: Strengthen the Allison Hill community, area organizations, businesses and churches to address issues of social justice and economic equity.
• Wishes: 1) Financial donations for renovations to allow volunteers to serve guests during and after the pandemic. 2) Volunteer board members (treasurer and fundraiser openings).
• Contact: Clay Lambert at [email protected].

Gemma’s Angels, 15 E. Main St., #25, Hershey, PA 17033.

• Mission: Raise funds to purchase and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, senior centers, and food banks in Dauphin and Lebanon counties; encourage at-risk children and their families to make healthier food choices, and teach them to live more sustainably.
• Wishes: 1) Funds to continue operation (by joining the $10 for Good Campaign). 2) Volunteer drivers and assistants for the Mobile Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays through Thursdays. 3) Women’s purses filled with personal items for women’s shelters.
• Contact: Mike Macchioni at [email protected] or 717-298-0150.

Grandparents Involved from the Start (GIFTS), P.O. Box 4966, Harrisburg, PA 17111.

• Mission: Provide meaningful resources for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren so they have the necessary tools to succeed in the 21st century.
• Wish: 1) Monetary donations to purchase gifts (children and adults) for five families.
• Contact: Dolorez Cobb-Jones at [email protected].

Grantville Volunteer Fire Company, 9199 Allentown Blvd., Grantville, PA 17028.

• Mission: Protect the citizens of East Hanover Township, Dauphin County and people traveling through the area from fires and assist with vehicular accidents.
• Wishes: 1) Automated external defibrillators (AEDs). 2) Sturdy canopy tents. 3) A laptop.
• Contact: Wayne Isett, GVFC president, 717-350-8249.

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area – ReStore, 800 Paxton St., Harrisburg, PA 17104.

• Mission: Sell new/gently used building supplies, materials, furniture and appliances to the public. All items are donated and proceeds further the organization’s building and repair projects in Dauphin County.
• Wishes: 1) New and gently used appliances. 2) Cabinets for bathrooms and kitchens (singles and sets). 3) Volunteers to help at the store.

HANNA’s Pantry, run by HANNA Foundation at Susquehanna Township School District, 3500 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109.

• Mission: Provide nutritious food and essential products to Susquehanna Township’s most vulnerable residents, including fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, pantry staples, fresh dairy items, baby food and diapers, along with other essential products.
• Wishes: 1) Tote bags for pre-packing food for distributions, preferably reusable, but new, heavy-duty plastic bags accepted (approximately 500 are used each month). 2) Monetary donations to prepare for outdoor winter food distributions by purchasing outdoor, plastic sheeting and other items to provide shelter and warmth for the volunteers. 3) Monetary donations to provide turkeys and holiday meal ingredients for families in need.
• Contact: Lori Shienvold at [email protected] or 717-220-3839.

Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, 107 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

• Mission: Provide educational, historical and recreational activities and promote public interest in the Susquehanna River Basin.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to pay monthly expenses. 2) Office supplies (such as printer paper, writing tablets, pens, file folders). 3) Volunteers in the office (answer phones, social media development, fundraising).
• Contact: Deb Donahue at [email protected].

Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services, 725 S. 22nd St., Harrisburg, PA 17104.

• Mission: Provide community-based, high quality, cost effective water rescue and emergency services for the residents of south central Pennsylvania region.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to purchase a used, in very good condition, mid-size SUV to be used as an OIC vehicle, for immediate responses to a water rescue scene. 2) Volunteers to help with water rescue, to dive, fundraising and administrative work. 3) Person(s) familiar with writing grants for equipment, training and education, and building renovations.
• Contact: Joe Ketterer, public information officer, at [email protected] or 717-236-5999.

Healthy Steps Diaper Bank, 4075 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112; Warehouse at Mission Central, 5 Pleasant View Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA.

• Mission: Provide free diapers to families in need to keep children clean, dry and healthy.
• Wishes: 1) Diapers in size 4, 5 and 6 (may be purchased on its Amazon Wishlist. 2) Monetary donations to purchase diapers. 3) Volunteers to wrap and/or pack diapers at the warehouse. (Signup here.)
• Contact: Amanda Barnes at [email protected], 717-919-2590.

Hershey Christian Academy, 99 Valley Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036.

• Mission: Cultivate an educational environment where students are challenged to think independently and purposefully, where a grace-centered approach allows individual growth, self-confidence and worth in a safe classroom environment and with Christ at the core.
• Wishes: 1) Scholarship sponsors. 2) Monetary donations for scholarships.
• Contact: Andria Jacobs at [email protected] or 717-312-7595.

Helping Hands Ministries of Harrisburg, 1077 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

• Mission: Serve hot meals to the homeless and hungry of Harrisburg (5 nights a week); and meet their needs as they arise.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to purchase food items. 2) Monetary donations to purchase paper products. 3) Chest freezer.
• Contact: Kathleen Schulkins at [email protected] or 717-919-4383.

Historic Harrisburg Association, 1230 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17102.

• Mission: Advocate for the restoration, preservation and proper stewardship of historic neighborhoods and landmarks throughout the capital region to enable current and future generations to retain and celebrate Harrisburg’s rich history.
• Wishes: 1) HP Color LaserJet Pro M479FDN Multifunction Printer. 2) Behringer PA System, black (ULM202USB), with Behringer PA Speaker, black (MPA40BTPRO). 3) Historic photos of Harrisburg landmarks.
• Contact: Christopher Zyroll at [email protected] or 717-233-4646.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 216 Main St., York Springs, PA 17372.

• Mission: Prepare Christmas food baskets for 27 families in need within the Bermudian Springs School District. Donations of non-perishable food accepted until Dec. 18.
• Wishes: 1) Canned goods and starches (vegetables, fruit, soup, rice, pasta, instant potatoes). 2) Non-perishable proteins (canned fish or meat, beans, dried beans, peanut butter). 3) Monetary donations to provide a $20 gift card to The Giant Company for each family.
• Contact: Nancy Wennberg at [email protected].

Hope Walks, 1215 Gettysburg Pike, Dillsburg, PA 17019.

• Mission: To free children and families from the physical, emotional and economic burden of clubfoot. Clubfoot needlessly cripples thousands of children every year even though there is a cost-effective and relatively simple treatment available. Hope Walks builds treatment programs in Latin America and Africa.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to help pay for clubfoot treatment for families in Latin America and Africa who cannot afford treatment. 2) Sharing the word about the mission is extremely helpful.
• Contact: [email protected].

Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

• Mission: Provide the highest quality of emotional, physical and spiritual support with compassion and respect.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to provide for benevolent/charitable care. 2) High efficiency laundry detergent and dryer sheets. 3) Volunteers (especially experienced).
• Contact: [email protected].

Keystone Musical Arts Center, 3705 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

• Mission: Provide diverse, high quality, musical arts experiences and education that inspires, enriches and advances musicianship for students of all ages and skill levels.
• Wishes: 1) Two desktop computers and iPads. 2) Percussion instruments. 3) Gift cards for supplies.
• Contact: Terry Selders at [email protected], 717-737-5622.

The Kidney Foundation of Central PA, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17109.

• Mission: Educate the community about chronic kidney disease; provide services and support to people whose lives are impacted by kidney disease; to advocate for more living organ donations in order to reduce the wait for a life-saving kidney transplant.
• Wishes: 1) Gift cards to local grocery stores for those who struggle to make ends meet as a result of being sidelined by renal failures. 2) Gift cards to Walmart and Target. 3) Volunteers to help with website updates.
• Contact: Phyllis Hicks at [email protected].

Jewish Family Service, 3333 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

• Mission: Mental health and social service agency dedicated to helping people achieve their full potential while honoring choice, diversity, and Jewish values through every stage of life.
• Wishes: 1) Grocery store gift cards (any denomination) to assist families in need (for fresh produce and meat; food for the holidays). 2) Craft store gift cards for its adoption and foster care families to have crafts to lift their spirits. 3) Hygiene and personal care products.
• Contact: Chudney Lewis, business office manager, [email protected] or 717-233-1681.

Little Friends Preschool, 135 W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

• Mission: Committed to offering a quality, early childhood education; to educate preschool age children and prepare them for kindergarten.
• Wishes: 1) Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table (Sku: 629969). 2) Card stock white paper (8-by-11 inches).
• Contact: [email protected].

Maranatha-Carlisle, 20 N. Hanover St., Suite 202, Carlisle, PA 17013.

• Mission: Provide sound financial management services to ensure financial stability to anyone at risk.
• Wishes: 1) Volunteers to assist with filing and other office duties. 2) Monetary donations to help fund the new family mentoring program.
• Contact: Kim Strizzi, executive dIrector, at 717-258-1000.

Mission Central, 5 Pleasant View Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

• Mission: Help people through mission outreach, education and disaster response; provide resources to groups doing humanitarian work.
• Wishes: 1) Hygiene items to include in its Care Kits. 2) Volunteers for the warehouse (at the donation door, truck drivers). 3) Volunteer garden assistants.
• Contact: Stephanie Titzel at [email protected] or 717-766-1533, ext. 118.

Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church,1801 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA 17102.

• Mission: A faith-based organization that strives to build a vital community by serving and empowering children, youth, adults and families.
• Wishes: 1) Coats for children. 2) Paper products. 3) Toys.
• Contact: Gary Fallings, executive director, at 717-233-6541.

New Hope Ministries, administrative office at 99 W. Church St., Dillsburg, PA 17019.

• Mission: A faith-based human service agency offering services to low income individuals and families with seven (soon to be eight) locations in Adams, Cumberland and York counties, and a mobile food pantry and casework program. (Visit website for locations.)
• Wishes: 1) New, unwrapped toys and gifts for kids and teens for the family holiday gift program. 2) Volunteers to give a few hours a week (needs are available on the website under “give time.”
• Contact: Michelle Zemba at [email protected] or 717-432-2087, ext. 211.

Operation Veterans’ Hope, 7 N. Baltimore Ave., Mount Holly Springs, PA 17065.

• Mission: Provide homeless veterans with a place to stay and help to reacclimate them to the working world.
• Wishes: 1) A 15-person passenger van. 2) Monetary donations for the Work2Stay program. 3) Monetary donations to help pay veterans’ medical bills.
• Contact: Jon Locke, executive director at [email protected].

Operation Wildcat, ℅ Mechanicsburg Area School District, 600 S. Norway St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

• Mission: Pool the resources in the community to help Mechanicsburg Area School District students, families and staff in need.
• Wishes: 1) Pots and pans. 2) Bed sheets (all sizes). 3) Monetary donations to purchase above needed items.
• Contact: Leslie Collins at [email protected] or 717-795-7372.

Oyster Mill Playhouse, 1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

• Mission: Engage and entertain audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works; to illuminate our common humanity.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to help upgrade the ventilation system to better serve and protect patrons and volunteers. 2) Crushed stone for the parking lot, eliminating low spots to reduce mud and puddles. 3) Volunteers to work behind the scenes in productions, improving the physical space.
• Contact: Ryan Dean Schoening at [email protected].

Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC), 294 Pleasant Acre Road, Suite 202, York, PA 17402.

• Mission: Protect immigrants’ rights to freedom and opportunity in the United States; to save the lives of the most vulnerable immigrants and their families, and provide free legal representation/counsel, education and advocacy to help immigrants obtain or protect their legal status.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations toward translation of approximately 10 languages to ensure that every client has full access to services in the language they best understand. 2) Financial support to help fee-waiver eligible people to apply for naturalization before it becomes cost-prohibitive. 3) Volunteers to help with 25th anniversary events in 2021 (including a citizenship information campaign; 50/50 raffle; book discussion; art show, etc.).
• Contact: [email protected].

Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, P.O. Box 21373, York, PA 17402 (works remotely).

• Mission: Grassroots organization dedicated to ending capital punishment in Pennsylvania; believing there are safe and fair alternatives to executions.
• Wishes: 1) A webmaster to manage the website. 2) Monetary donations to hire an organizer. 3) Adobe Acrobat software or cloud-based system.
• Contact: Kathleen Lucas at [email protected] or 717-236-4840.

Perry County Literacy Council, 133 S. Fifth St., P.O. Box 37, Newport, PA 17074.

• Mission: Provide educational programs for Perry county adults that will enable them to better function as productive and responsible citizens.
• Wishes: 1) Copier paper. 2) Office supplies. 3) Monetary donations to purchase office supplies.
• Contact: Leslie Heimbaugh at [email protected].

Pink Hands of Hope, 5325 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

• Mission: Help local people who are fighting cancer with programs, including help paying medical bills, giving away free items, and buying Christmas presents for those who can’t afford them due to treatment.
• Wishes: 1) Gift cards of $25 (Walmart, Target, Kohl’s) for parents to use for their kids for Christmas. 2) Monetary donations to buy gifts for those who are fighting cancer.
• Contact: Brian Gaughan at [email protected] and 717-620-8264.

Power Packs Project, 1660 N. 7th St., Lebanon, PA 17046.

• Mission: Work with each school/school district to identify and provide nutritious weekend meals, including a tip sheet and recipe, to students and their families who are in need, at no cost to them.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations for food items. 2) Networking, to spread awareness of the program throughout the counties served (Lebanon and Lancaster). 3) Donations of personal protective equipment (hand sanitizer, gloves of all sizes, face masks, etc.).
• Contact: Caitlin Lockard, program coordinator for Lebanon region, at [email protected] or 717-989-2450.

Project Wellness, 632 Main St., Richfield, PA 17086.

• Mission: Helping an underserved rural community by providing charitable, educational and scientific holistic health and wellness services to overcome mental health stigma, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce the frequency and intensity of physical and mental illnesses.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to help low income families pay their copays for the Project Wellness Equine Assisted Therapy Program. 2) Monetary donations to help participants pay to see Project Wellness’s nutritionist. 3) Monetary donations to help participants pay for reflexology and massage treatments.
• Contact: David Mink at 717-856-0220.

Roller Education Foundation, 250 Reynders St., Steelton, PA 17113.

• Mission: Develop, promote and finance educational programs, activities and projects to enhance the growth and development of the students attending public school in Steelton-Highspire School District.
• Wishes: 1) Donations to support growth of the students with academics, trades, liberal arts, and other educational and career opportunities. 2) Alumni and community involvement to support students through committees and events. 3) Business partnerships to ensure the growth of the foundation to support children from the Steelton-Highspire communities.
• Contact: Anthony Fritz, president, at [email protected], rollereducationfounda[email protected] or 717-991-0491 (leave a voicemail message).

Safe Harbour, 102 W. High St., Carlisle, Pa., 17013.

• Mission: Provide a continuum of housing and supportive services for homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families.
• Wishes: 1) New and gently-used bed linens (twin or full sizes). 2) Disinfecting cleaning products. 3) Monetary donations to purchase bed linens.
• Contact: [email protected].

The Seven Academy, 416 Trudy Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109.

• Mission: A life and social skills program for young males from diverse backgrounds seeking to foster an environment that stimulates participants’ self reliance, sense of community and good health through enhanced life and social skills education.
• Wishes: 1) School supplies. 2) Plain T-shirts. 3) Monetary donations to buy school supplies.
• Contact: Nathaniel Holmes Sr. at [email protected] or 717-412-1510.

Someone To Tell It To, 216 State St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

• Mission: Create meaningful relationships through compassionate listening to people suffering from anything from illness and grief, to loneliness and anxiety, regardless of ability to pay for this service; and to train others to listen.
• Wishes: 1) Two printers. 2) Monetary donations to support people who cannot pay for counseling services.
• Contact: Elizabeth Armistead, [email protected].

Sound Community Solutions, 2001 N. Front St., Building #2, Suite 321, Harrisburg, PA 17102.

• Mission: Assist individuals, families and communities with services and training, specializing in re-entry and wellness.
• Wishes: 1) Gift cards. 2) Monetary donations to help with the training programs. 3) Prayers and referrals.
• Contact: Geri Forrest at [email protected] or 717-961-9740.

South Central PA Sickle Cell Council, 2000 Linglestown Road, Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

• Wishes: 1) Paper (8.5-by-11 inches and 8.5-by-14 inches) and Post-it Notes. 2) A 40-inch, flat screen TV to train patients, staff and volunteers. 3) Gift cards from Giant Company and Walmart.
• Contact: Sonia Rivera-Murphy, office manager, at [email protected] or 717-234-3358.

Starfish Ministries, 89 Broadwell Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

• Mission: Provide needed items to the local homeless and seek those who are ready and willing to transition into independence.
• Wishes: 1) Deodorant. 2) Winter coats (mostly for men). 3) Monetary donations to purchase a Sprinter Van to transport donations and to move clients into stable housing.
• Contact: Carol Crossley at [email protected] or 717-461-2568.

Student Author Movement, a Project of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, 200 N. Third St., Eighth Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

• Mission: Develop enhanced reading and writing skills for middle schools’ students at Title 1 schools by having them participate in free, interactive workshops.
• Wishes: 1) People to purchase a book written by a participating student. The student receives a royalty payment, with the remaining used to fund school workshops and printing expenses. 2) Direct donations to offer workshops can be made at www.tfec.org/funds/student-author-movement. 3) Names of Title 1 elementary schools that would be interested in the workshops.
• Contact: Larry Wasser at [email protected].

Summit Terrace Neighborhood Association, 1228 Bailey St., Harrisburg, PA 17103.

• Mission: To search out and correct problems causing the deterioration of safe, decent and affordable housing and playgrounds in Harrisburg through a collaborative relationship between neighbors, citizens, private industry, state and local governments, social service agencies and religious organizations; also help people in the community when needs arise.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations for emergency HVAC and plumbing repairs for an apartment that is now rented to a low-income family (total of $665). 2) Volunteer(s) to finish the website. 3) Volunteer(s) to work on building improvements (mainly painting bathroom, hallway, doors and lettering on storefront window).
• Contact: Loretta Barbee-Dare, president, at [email protected] or 717-461-2980.

Ta Ta Rebels, 2440 River Road, Bainbridge, PA 17502.

• Mission: Financially assist breast cancer survivors after completing treatments and surgeries with out of pocket medical expenses — including co-pays, deductibles, mastectomy bras, prosthesis, compression garments and therapies.
• Wishes: 1) Utility trailer to transport supplies to outreach events. 2) Monetary donations to provide financial assistance to survivors in need. 3) Volunteers to assist with promotion through social media, in print and online advertising markets.
• Contact: Kim Ramirez at [email protected] or 717-368-2586.

Therapeutic Riding Association of Cumberland County (TRACC), at Mountain Trail Stables, 300 McCulloch Road, Shippensburg/Mailing address: 950 Walnut Bottom Road, Suite 15, Box 167, Carlisle, PA 17015.

• Mission: Provide therapeutic and recreational horseback riding to individuals with special needs (physical, cognitive and/or emotional) as a form of physical therapy to provide direct treatment, symmetry and improved self-esteem.
• Wishes: 1) Financial support to keep the program affordable for the riders; while any contributions are welcome, $200 funds a rider for a 5-week therapy session. 2) Storage shed for storage of equipment (10-feet-by-16-feet). 3) Volunteers to assist riders and therapists; training provided.
• Contact: Ellen Hair at [email protected] or 717-486-4179.

TrueNorth Wellness Services, 5351 C. Jaycee Ave., Suite 1, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

• Mission: Inspire hope and healthy living through behavioral health and wellness services, including crisis intervention, residential services, outpatient therapy, services for autistic children, social rehabilitation, substance abuse services.
• Wishes: 1) Telehealth equipment. 2) Hand sanitizer. 3) Monetary donations to purchase telehealth equipment.
• Contact: [email protected].

Valley Youth House, 1625 N. Front St., Third Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17102.

• Mission: Provide homes to vulnerable, abused and homeless youth; partners with many individuals to offer street outreach, counseling, skills training, and health, prevention and intervention services. Has locations in 23 counties in Pennsylvania, including Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry and York.
• Wishes: 1) Gift items for all ages for the Holiday Gift Drive. 2) Gift cards for the Holiday Gift Drive (send to the Harrisburg address above). 3) Monetary donations to help with its mission (donations accepted online).
• Contact: Emily Conners, development officer, at [email protected].

Vickie’s Angel Foundation, 511 Bridge St., New Cumberland, PA 17070.

• Mission: Help families fighting cancer when they cannot pay their bills because of going through cancer treatment; taking away the toxic stress of financial worry and helping the family focus on healing.
• Wishes: 1) Volunteers with good interpersonal and office skills. 2) Labor and material donations to repair the foundation’s front porch. 3) Monetary donations to help pay operating expenses.
• Contact: Mickey Minnich at [email protected] or 17-774-3800.

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 542, 8000 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17011.

• Mission: To never again have one generation of veterans abandon another by educating the public and helping all veterans in any way possible, including providing a handicapped-equipped bus to transport veterans in parades/events, helping the Marines with Toys For Tots, helping host a benefit golf tournament for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations toward past rent incurred when bingo was discontinued. 2) Monetary donations to help pay off the 15 passenger handicapped-equipped bus.
• Contact: Michael J. Groff, treasurer, at [email protected] or 717-926-1940.

Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania, 1130 S. 19th St., Harrisburg, PA 17104.

• Mission: Facilitate independence, enrich the quality of life, and empower individuals who are visually-impaired or otherwise disabled through prevention, employment and educational awareness programs.
• Wishes: 1) Grocery gift cards for clients. 2) Vending machine size snacks and canned soda. 3) HP ink cartridges #’s 61, 63, 64, 65, 932 and 933.
• Contact: Paul Zavinsky at [email protected] or 717-238-2531.

York Young Revolution, Revolution c/o Extreme Holdings, Farmtrail Road, York, PA 17406.

• Mission: Deliver a structured, affordable and fun opportunity for high-performing young athletes; committed to development of youth baseball and softball players participating in travel ball in York County; help athletes meet the requirements for eligibility to participate in college athletics.
• Wishes: 1) Financial contributions to offset the teams’ travel costs and equipment needs. 2) Donations of goods and services used for fundraising events. 3) Gift cards/certificates that can be auctioned and raffled off during fundraising events.
• Contact: Tara Focht at [email protected].

Animal rescues needs are listed below. Every little bit helps. Visit their websites to see all the supplies and items they need now and throughout the year.

A Tail to Tell Puppy Mill Rescue, 371 Michters Road, Newmanstown, PA 17073.

• Mission: Raise money to rescue, rehabilitate and provide veterinary care to any dog that is rescued from a puppy mill.
• Wishes: 1) Clorox. 2) Paper towels. 3) Monetary donations for veterinary care.
• Contact: Cindy Myers at [email protected].

AniMeals of PA, 1434 Rocky Way, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

• Mission: Provide free pet food for the companion animals of local, low-income, seniors. The programs help keep seniors and their pets together, eases the physical and financial worry of feeding and caring for them. Pets play a big role in the well-being of people, especially seniors.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to assist with purchasing a pet for a senior. 2) Monetary donations to assist with routine and emergency veterinary care.
• Contact: Theresa Fazzolari at [email protected].

Be Ellie Happy, 205 Shaffer Road, Millersburg, PA 17061.

• Mission: Assist local rescue/shelter/foster animals by providing adoption bags filled with some essential supplies and goodies when they go to their forever homes.
• Wishes: 1) Dog and cat toys. 2) Dog and cat treats (no rawhide). 3) Monetary donations to purchase items for the adoption bags.
• Contact: Britt Klouser at [email protected].

BunnyPeople, Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

• Mission: Domestic rabbit rescue, adoption and education organization of volunteers that take in unwanted, abused, abandoned and discarded rabbits; get them necessary medical care, spayed/neutered and adopted into a forever home.
• Wishes: 1) Grocery store gift cards to buy produce. 2) Tractor Supply Co. gift cards to buy litter. 3) Volunteers to help take care of the rabbits.
• Contact: Tammy P at [email protected] or 717-469-0125.

Castaway Critters, The James A Hueholt Memorial Foundation for Animals, P.O. Box 1421, Harrisburg, PA 17105.

• Mission: Offering hope and new beginnings to lost and forgotten, sick and abandoned animals.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations for medical care of dogs and cats. 2) Gift cards to Giant Company, Petco, Walmart or Target for dog and cat food. 3) Volunteers to foster a dog or cat until a forever home is found.
• Contact: Jamie Balla at [email protected] or 717-831-5010.

Cockers Across PA, (CAPA), P.O. Box 81, Etters, PA 17319.

• Mission: To rescue cocker spaniels and cocker spaniel mixes that have been abandoned, abused and neglected, provide them with all needed medical care, and foster them until loving forever homes are found.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to help pay for general and extensive vetting to prepare the dogs for adoption. 2) Gift cards to pet and grocery stores (for flea/tick prevention, treats, toys, etc.). 3) Volunteers to help directly with the dogs (fostering), administrative, computer work, fundraising, events, etc.
• Contact: Melanie Suhr at [email protected].

The Dogs’ Den, 127 Sanjo Drive, Grantville, PA 17028;

• Mission: Dedicated to improving the quality of life for pets through education and adoption.
• Wishes: 1) Laundry soap. 2) Large capacity, top-loading washing machine. 3) Monetary donations for animal medical bills.
• Contact: Denise Durkay at 717-469-7325.

Furry Friends Network, P. O. Box 519, Boiling Springs, PA 17007.

• Mission: Rescue group that takes in dogs and cats, fosters them, gives them medical care (if needed) and finds them forever homes; provides trap, neuter, release vet clinics to control the population of feral cat colonies.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations to cover veterinary bills (sometimes bills total $10,000/month). 2) Gift cards to Chewy.com to purchase quality food and supplies. 3) Dog and cat treats and toys.
• Contact: Sharon Cree at [email protected].

Harrisburg Area Animal Rescue Team (HART), 3402 N. Second St., Harrisburg, PA 17110-1404.

• Mission: Rescue and foster cats and kittens until permanent homes can be found.
• Wishes: 1) Litter (any kind). 2) Cat and kitten food (Purina 1 dry for cats; Fancy Feast wet for kittens). 3) Volunteers to foster cats and kittens.
• Contact: Melissa Flinn at [email protected] or 717-566-4866.

Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation, 813 S. Baltimore St., Dillsburg, PA 17019;

• Mission: A no-kill animal shelter that helps abused, abandoned and stray cats and dogs in south central Pennsylvania find love and safety; strives to connect animals and people to find the best fur-ever homes.
• Wishes: 1) Purina Cat Chow Complete dry food. 2) HE laundry detergent. 3) Paper towels.
• Contact: Alex at [email protected].

Home Away From Home Equine Care, 654 Sawmill Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Search on Facebook.

• Mission: Help owners find forever homes for horses and ponies they can no longer afford to keep due to life changes. Some horses are utilized in a therapeutic riding program for underprivileged children and adults.
• Wishes: 1) Monetary donations for building repairs. 2) Volunteers for stable chores. 3) Donations to buy hay.
• Contact: Joanne Hocker at [email protected] or 717-766-4035.

Loving Care Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 153, Lemoyne, PA 17043 (foster based).

• Mission: Provide care to every cat that comes through the rescue, regardless of their circumstances or medical condition, and actively seek a permanent home for each one. cat rescued; a foster-based, all volunteer and no kill rescue.
• Wishes: 1) Purina Naturals cat food (dry and wet). 2) Purina kitten food (dry and wet). 3) Volunteers to care for the kitties at adoption habitat at Petco High Pointe Commons, Harrisburg.
• Contact: Dorothy Minnick at [email protected] or 717-319-8717.

Nobody’s Cats Foundation, 3909 Hartzdale Drive, Suite 905, Camp Hill, Pa., 17011.

• Mission: Help individuals, businesses and municipalities implement “Trap Neuter Return” as the preferred strategy for humanely managing and reducing community cat populations in 15 southcentral Pennsylvania counties.
• Wishes: 1) Dry or canned cat food. 2) Paper towels. 3) Liquid laundry detergent for high-efficiency washing machines.
• Contact: Christine Arnold, [email protected].

Operation Paws for Homes, 862 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, Pa., 17033.

• Mission: A foster home-based rescue for homeless cats that practices trap/neuter/release programs for feral cats to control feral cat populations. Also, educates people on the importance of spay/neutering their pets.
• Wishes: 1) Dry cat food (Cat Chow, Indoor Cat Chow or Kitten Chow). 2) Monetary donations for medicals bills. 3) Cat litter (clumping, scoopable).
• Contact: Kendra Daub – [email protected].

PA Racehorse Rehoming Rehabilitation and Rescue (PARR), 1008 Piketown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

• Mission: Provide aftercare for raced or trained-to-race thoroughbreds and care for other horses in need, as well as providing lifetime sanctuary to a limited number of select horses. Potential adopters can choose the horse that will best compliment their goals.
• Wishes: 1) Hay (small or large bales, or bagged compressed). 2) Grain by SafeChoice or Fiber Max (PARR purchases most of its grain from Hanoverdale Agway). 3) Monetary donations for farrier costs.
• Contact: Kathy Chamberlain at 717-460-0423.

PennyFix, 7848 Appleby Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

• Mission: To partner with pet food companies to charge one extra cent to each can of cat and dog food sold to use those funds to spay/neuter every cat and dog in the U.S. for free.
• Wishes: 1) PennyFix needs 1 million signatures on its petition to present to pet food companies for them to adopt the above mission: www.change.org/p/support-free-spays-and-neuters-with-pennyfix. 2) Monetary donations to spay and neuter. 3) Volunteers to help PennyFix achieve its mission.
• Contact: Mikaela at [email protected], or Lynn at 717-469-2540.

Rock Run Animal Rescue, 4033 Enola Road, Newville, PA 17241-9734.

• Mission: Provide animals (horses, goats, dogs, cats, geese) a permanent sanctuary.
• Wishes: 1) Gift cards for animal food/feed (Knisely’s Pet & Farm in Carlisle; Chewy.com). 2) Volunteers with horse experience. 3) Volunteers to do yard work.
• Contact: Melissa Flinn at [email protected] or 717-566-4866.

Tabby Trappers, 1640 BLue Jay Drive, Dover, PA 17315.

• Mission: Catch, spay/neuter and release feral cats to lower the population of cat colonies that helps the health of the citizens in the surrounding communities.
• Wishes: 1) Cat traps. 2) Transport vehicle/van, preferably 12-15 passengers. 3) Monetary donations for veterinary bills.
• Contact: Miles at [email protected].