Holiday Wish List For Nonprofits

HARTFORD — The holiday season offers many opportunities for giving, and a report published by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy makes it easy. The 2007 Holiday Wish List includes information on more than 205 nonprofits from 47 towns in the state.

“We’ve been producing the report for years,” said Nancy Roberts, Council president. “People who are looking toward the holidays and planning their seasonal giving start calling us in October looking for the list.”

The Holiday Wish List provides a brief description of the nonprofit organization and its work, the population it serves, contact information, and a list of special items or volunteers they are looking for to make the holidays happier.

Items on the Holiday Wish List range from toys, mittens and warm clothing to turkeys, paper goods, fruit and gift cards. In addition, big wishes include vans, computers, and furniture.

Anyone looking to volunteer some time over the holidays can find a place to help serve a holiday dinner, to wrap presents, or to bake cookies.

Since giving is more than a seasonal activity, many people and organizations use the Wish List as a resource throughout the year. The agencies and nonprofits listed in this publication certainly need support beyond the holiday season.

To produce the Holiday Wish List, the council contacts a wide range of nonprofits that serve children, families and adults to gather information on their holiday needs, from Thanksgiving to Three King’s Day. In addition, CCP offers the opportunity for a “Big Wish,” listing an item that is not specific to the holidays, but would nonetheless be a great — and greatly appreciated — addition to their agency.

The full searchable 2007 Holiday Wish List is available online at CTPhilanthropy.org/WaysToGive. For a Holiday Wish List by county, contact Laurie Allen at Lallen@CTPhilanthropy.org or 860-525-5585.