Wichita-area agencies provide 2019 holiday wish lists
The Eagle asked nonprofits and charitable groups in Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties to submit their holiday wish lists.
The lists are from a range of charities – from homeless services to health care – and seek a variety of things, including volunteer help.
For more information, contact the charity directly.
Animal services
Bunny TNT, 225 N. Yale, Wichita, KS, 67208, 316-683-1122, www.bunnytnt.org. We rescue unwanted domestic rabbits and find them good, forever homes and educate people on rabbit care and behavior. Needs: Bags of Litter (Yesterdays News and/or Equine Fresh), Dillon’s Gift Cards (for greens), wooden chew toys (like willow balls), paper towels, crockery dishes for food or water.
Country Cats, P O Box 37, Andover, KS, 67002, 316-775-2288, www.countrycats.petfinder.com. Country Cats is a licensed, no-kill cat rescue / shelter / sanctuary run by volunteers that adopts out cats and provides a safe place for other cats to live out their lives. Needs: Funds for maintenance and enhancements, cleaning help, handyman help.
Haysville Saddle Club, 301 W. 89th St. South, Haysville, KS, 67060, 316-712-1489. Provides a place for families of the area to work with horses while promoting horsemanship, competitions and a sense of fair play in a wholesome family atmosphere. Needs: Gray and white paint, dimension lumber, long angle iron, pop-up 12x12 tents, kitchen linens and concession stand supplies.
Priscilla’s Pet Pantry, 400 W. Ash, El Dorado, KS, 67042, www.trinityeldorado.org, 316-321-6606. We provide pre-weighed dry food for dogs/cats, also litter, pet beds, toys and treats. Needs: Volunteers, dry food, litter.
Basic needs
Agape Resource Center, 116 E. 6th, Newton, KS, 67114, 316-283-1600. We provide free food for Harvey County residents and free clothing and household items to everyone in need. Needs: Funds for utilities and to buy food from the Kansas Food Bank, infant and toddler clothing, coats and jackets.
A Better Choice, 3007 E. Central, Wichita, KS, 67214, 316-685-5757, www.pregnancywichita.com. We inspire and enable women to value themselves and their children by providing free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and infant necessities. Needs: Infant formula, diapers, baby wipes, baby bath products, Walmart gift cards.
Children First CEO Kansas, Wichita, KS, 67201, 316-303-4083, www.childrenfirstceokansas.org. Children First works to help students be successful in school through social workers and education gardens. Needs: School supplies, household cleaning supplies, winter wear (caps, gloves, etc.).
Derby Community Family Services, 431 S. Woodlawn, Derby, KS, 67037, 316-519-5867. Faith-based nonprofit service organization providing a food pantry and limited utility assistance for residents of the USD 260 school district. Needs: Non-perishable food items, hygiene products, financial donations, volunteers.
Haysville Community Outreach, 141 Trout, Haysville, KS, 67060. Provides Thanksgiving and Christmas (food and toys) for eligible residents of the Haysville School District. Needs: Money, toys, Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas hams, volunteers to help with preparations.
Head to Toe Hygiene Pantry, University Congregational Church, 9209 E. 29th St. North, Wichita, KS, 67226 (Pantry located at 2140 E 21st St.) 316-304-3412, headtotoehygienepantry.org. Our mission is to provide basic hygiene items to those who are low to no income at no cost so that they can have dignity and self respect. Needs: Diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper, shampoo, full size bar soap.
Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67211. The Kansas Food Bank provides hunger relief to food insecure Kansans via a network of over 700 partners. Needs: Cargo van, blank note cards, adult diapers.
The Lord’s Diner,520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67214, 316-266-4966, thelordsdiner.org. Our mission is to feed the hungry of our community with respect and dignity no questions asked. Needs: New gloves, new socks, bags of rice or beans, sugar.
United Methodist Open Door, A social service agency providing food, clothing and shelter to those in need. Needs: Volunteers, men’s hygiene kits, food, bedding and dishes.
Westside Good Neighbor Center, 3500 W. 13th St., Wichita, KS, 67203, www.westsidegnc.org. The WGNC provides emergency food for local families in need. Needs: 24.8 cu ft chest freezer, commercial glass 3-door refrigerator, funding, volunteers.
Community services
Butler Homeless Initiative, P.O. Box 447, El Dorado, KS, 67042, 316-323-4122. Provides refuge to those in need. Needs: Evening volunteers, sack lunch items, new winter coats (with hoods) for men and women (sizes large & extra-large), backpacks, cash donations for guests to apply for birth certificates and I.D.s.
Envision, 610 N. Main, Wichita, KS, 67203. Envision provides programs and services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, ages birth through adult. Needs: Light and sound toys, circle time rugs, art supplies (paints, construction paper, glue sticks, markers), small prizes/gift cards for elementary-high school events, Wii games (Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, Just Dance 2020).
Family Life Center - Safehouse, P.O. Box 735, El Dorado, KS, 67042, 316-321-7104, www.familylifecentersafehouse.com. A shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Needs: Wal-mart gift cards, cleaning supplies (trash bags), women’s and children’s underwear, copy paper.
Independent Living Resource Center, 3033 W. Second St., Wichita, KS, 67203, 316-942-6300, ilrcks.org. Empowers people with disabilities. We provide five core services: information and referral, advocacy, skills training, peer support and transition services. Needs: Wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, knee walkers, tub transfer benches, bariatric bathroom equipment.
Never Alone Crisis Ministry, 1205 N. Indiana, Wichita, KS, 67214-2746, 316-682-0207. We are a crisis intervention/prevention program working with victims and families who have experienced a violent act. Needs: Gift certificates, winter attire (child/adult), food vouchers, toiletries, volunteers.
New Hope Christian Church, 1400 S. George Washington Dr., Wichita, KS. 67211. Provides food for more than 6000 people a year. Needs: Monetary gifts, volunteers.
Partners for Wichita, 925 N. Waco, Wichita, KS, 67203, 316-263-1389, www.partnersforwichita.org. We serve the hungry and those in need and promote substance abuse prevention. Needs: Financial support; volunteers to teach Botvin Life Skills classes, help with Filling the Gap Lunches for Kids and Bags of Blessings.
Project Laundry, 9035 W. Central, Wichita, KS, 67212, 316-512-1187, www.projectlaundry.org. Project Laundry consists of regular opportunities to help people who are struggling financially by assisting them with doing their laundry. Needs: Financial support, partner organizations and/or businesses, volunteers.
PRo Kansas Recycling, 725 E. Clark, Wichita, KS, 67211, 316-269-1359, prokansasrecycling.org. Increase Recycling Awareness and Participation in the Wichita Area. Needs: Volunteers to visit with local businesses about starting recycling programs; donations to help complete our baler repairs as well as other maintenance; volunteers with video, fundraising or social media skills; donations to fill gaps left by the current low market prices.
Raise My Head Foundation, PO Box 49321, Wichita, KS, 67201, 316-706-9840, www.raisemyhead.org. Raise MHF provides women who are breaking free from sex trafficking a safe residence. Needs: Copier and paper, four-drawer upright file cabinet, bus passes, QuikTrip gift cards, tutors and transportation volunteers.
United Way of the Plains, 245 N. Water, Wichita, KS, 67202, 316-267-1321, www.unitedwayplains.org. Improving lives by identifying community needs and mobilizing resources to meet those needs through a network of partnerships. Needs: Volunteer reading coaches to help 2nd and 3rd grade students improve their reading, volunteers to make funding recommendations, and volunteers to help individuals prepare their income tax returns. Training is provided for each of these volunteer opportunities.
Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, 67202. 316-263-0185, www.wichitasac.com. Offers comprehensive services and education to create a culture of intolerance for sexual violence and an atmosphere of healing for those impacted by it. Needs: Volunteers for the hotline, art supplies for support groups, books on wellness, gift cards for gas/groceries, journals.
Education
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 925 N. Waco, Wichita, KS, 67203 316-263-0810, stpaulswichita.org. Helps adults learn English. Needs: Volunteer instructors, money, printer paper, books, whiteboard markers.
Historic Preservation Alliance, 230 N. Market, Suite 201, Wichita, KS, 67202-2006, 316-269-9432, www.historicpreservationalliance.com. Protects and preserves structures that are historically important and architecturally significant for the education of and use by the community. Needs: Funds for the restoration of the McAdams/Fultz House; Betzen House; Dyne Quik Diner; Trolley Cars and Joyland Amusement Park rides, signs and artifacts.
Holy Savior Catholic Academy, 3000 E. 13th St., Wichita, KS, 67214 We provide education for African-American and other diverse students to build hope so they can be successful learners. Needs: Funds for tuition, copy paper, juice for 2nd chance breakfast, new books for family libraries.
McAdams Academy, 2821 E. 24th St. North, Wichita, KS, 67219, 316-239-6472, www.mcadamsacademy.org. McAdams Academy is a non-profit community-based organization offering behavioral and academic services for high-risk and at-risk youths. Needs: Dishwasher, commercial electric range (w/oven and warming compartment), commercial microwave, 24 cafeteria chairs, dust collector for woodworking shop.
Music Theatre for Young People, 225 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67202, 316-262-6897, www.mtypks.org. MTYP provides the youth of Wichita and surrounding areas unique opportunities in the performing arts. Needs: AA batteries, #2 pencils, #10 white envelopes, reams of 8.5x11 white paper, Rubbermaid Roughneck️ storage tote (18 Gallon).
Health care
Cairn Health (formerly Medical Service Bureau), 1530 S. Oliver, Suite 130, Wichita, KS, 67218, 316-683-7559, https://cairnhealth.org. We help low-income Sedgwick County residents access prescription medications and low-cost vision care to improve the community’s health. Needs: Donations (cash), unopened/unexpired OTC medications, a new heavy-duty paper shredder, bus passes (or donations to purchase), volunteers for community events.
Medical Loan Closet of Wichita, We serve the uninsured and underserved with recycled Durable Medical Equipment in our community. Needs: Provide Durable Medical Eq
Midwest Battle Buddies, PO Box 43, Rose Hill, KS, 67133, 316-796-6722, midwestbattlebuddies.org. We are a 501c3 compliant nonprofit that provide service dogs and training to veterans. Needs: Donations, pet store gift cards, Chewy.com gift cards, veterinary care discount cards.
Via Christi Foundation, 3600 E. Harry, Wichita, KS, 67218, 316-644-5124, foundation@viachristi.org. We commit ourselves to serving all persons who are poor and vulnerable. Needs: New sweatpants and sweatshirts of all sizes, new child and adult gloves and hats, Walmart and QuikTrip gift cards, new board games/cards, new art supplies.
Services for children
Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, 1211 S. Emporia, Wichita, KS, 67211. 316-660-9494, www.cacsckansas.org. CACSC promotes safety, health and emotional well-being of abused children by coordinating support from multiple agencies in a child friendly environment. Needs: MP3 players with earbuds, fast food/Walmart/QuikTrip gift cards in $5-$15 increments, Chapstick, journals, stress or fidget toys.
Dress a Girl Around the World-Kansas, 1441 E. 37th St. North, Wichita, KS, 67219, 316-644-1244. Makes new dresses, boys pants and knit hats for children around the world. Needs: New cotton/cotton blend fabric, Hot Wheels, T-shirts sized 2-12, financial donations.
Genesis Foundation for Fitness & Tennis, 6100 E. Central Suite #3, Wichita, KS, 67208. GFFT’s focus is on helping under-resourced youth improve their quality of life through physical activity and healthy habits. Needs: New children’s athletic shoes, junior tennis racquets, tennis balls, funding for summer tennis camps.
Kansas Children’s Service League, 1365 N Custer, Wichita, KS, 67203, 316-942-4261, kcsl.org. Provides services that focus on preventing child abuse, strengthening families and empowering parents and youth. Needs: diapers, toiletries, makeup, gas cards, gift cards to Wal-Mart or fast food restaurants.
KIDS Network, 300 W. Douglas, Suite 145, Wichita, KS, 67202, 316-772-6926, Kidsks.org. Provides grief counseling for families who experience infant loss and research and education to eradicate infant mortality. Needs: Forever stamps, $10/$25 gift cards i.e. Dillons/Target/Office Depot, pacifiers, Super Sticky Post-It Notes, and volunteers.
Rainbows United, 3223 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS 67220, 316-267-5437, RainbowsUnited.org. Rainbows United enhances the lives of children with special needs and their families by bringing together community resources and providing customized services. Needs: Board books for toddlers, diapers: infant to adult, weighted blankets, new or gently used leather or vinyl recliners and couches.
Services for seniors
Koinonia Senior Care, 13303 W Maple, Suite 139 #128, Wichita, KS, 67235, 316-209-9028, KSCare.org. We enrich the lives of homebound seniors and their caregivers, wherever they call home, and encourage our community to join us. Needs: Two computers, stamps, reams/boxes of computer paper, Amazon gift cards, Brother ink (TN-223BK/C/M/Y or TN-227BK/C/M/Y.
Senior Services of Wichita, 200 S. Walnut, Wichita, KS, 67213. Senior Services is dedicated to providing programs that offer older adults the opportunity to live quality lives while continuing to make positive contributions to the community. Needs: Ensure supplements; adult briefs (M-XL); bed pads; paper products like tissues, cups, plates, napkins, etc.
Services for the homeless
Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N Hillside, Wichita, KS, 67219, 316-687-4675, urmwichita.org. Our mission is helping homeless and hurting people restore their lives through God’s love. Needs: Catering van, wheelchairs/canes/knee scooters, clothes racks with wheels (single or double), volunteers, a lift van.
The WAY 4Ward, 4707 E. Central, Wichita, KS, 67208, 316-942-7007. Christian housing for women coming out of Topeka women’s prison who would be released homeless. Needs: Monthly recurring donations, a van that can seat seven including the driver, outdoor patio furniture, Roto-Tiller and garden tools, three single garage doors.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story contained an inaccurate item for United Methodist Open Door.
This story was originally published December 1, 2019 at 12:07 AM.