1. Abacus Austin
  2. Alan’s Blog
  3. Austin Chronicle’s Wish List

Austin Chronicle’s Wish List

Posted in: Austin News

It’s that time of year when we start looking for THE perfect present for everyone on our Holiday Lists. But, finding that perfect gift is really hard sometimes. The Austin Chronicle has just published their Wish list, so making.a donation for that special someone can solve the problem -giving to a charity for the gift-giving season.

WISH LIST

Your Guide to Charitable Giving

Every year The Austin Chronicle’s annual Wish List offers readers a guide to charitable giving with the purpose of helping local nonprofits meet their needs to keep serving our city and its many communities. And as Austin and the rest of the world continue to adapt to life during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to help our neighbors this holiday season persists.

Of course, these needs remain year-round, so we encourage readers to use this list into 2022. (The Chronicle’s Wish List in its entirety lives online all year.) As always, do your own due diligence before offering your support, and remember that monetary donations, volunteering, and tech accessories (computers, tablets, etc.) are appreciated by many nonprofits in addition to their below requests. Because many organizations are still operating remotely out of pandemic precautions, it’s also a good idea to call ahead before dropping off any donations. Let’s support our communities by giving what we can and where we can, y’all. – Beth Sullivan

Wondering how to get your nonprofit in our database? Email wishlist@austinchronicle.com for details.

Kids/Education/Holidays
ADVOCACY OUTREACH
200 Depot St., 512/281-4180, beth@advocacyoutreach.org, www.advocacyoutreach.org.
  • Socks
  • Coats for adults or children
  • New undergarments
  • Blankets
  • Bath towels and shower items
  • Space heaters
THE ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA
4902 Grover, 512/476-7044, info@arcofthecapitalarea.org, www.arcaustin.org.
  • Acrylic paint
  • Canvas
  • Paper (watercolor, drawing paper)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Gesso
  • Refurbished laptops
  • Backpacks for clients
AUSTIN PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
PO Box 6118, Austin, TX 78762, 512/637-0900, dlewis@austinpartners.org, www.austinpartners.org.
  • Gift cards with small incentive prizes for students
  • Healthy snacks
  • Various reading levels books
  • School supplies
  • Art supplies
CAPITOL SCHOOL OF AUSTIN
2011 W. Koenig, 512/467-7006, jyoung@capitolschool.com, www.capitolschool.com.
  • Playground balls and trucks (new or gently used)
  • Sand toys (shovels, buckets)
  • Gift cards: OfficeMax, Target, Teachers Pay Teachers
  • Indoor water bottle filling station
CON MI MADRE
1825 Fortview Rd. #114, 512/467-4483, info@conmimadre.org, www.conmimadre.org.
  • Gift cards: H-E-B, Target, Walmart
  • Lockable filing cabinet (two-drawer)
  • PA system
  • Megaphone
  • T-shirt sponsorship
  • Retractable banner
  • Vacuum
  • Cleaning supplies: disinfecting spray and wipe, dish soap, sponges, Swiffer wipes
  • Shelving
  • Floor lamps
GIRLS EMPOWERMENT NETWORK
PO Box 3122, Austin, TX 78764, 512/808-4044, office@girlsempowermentnetwork.org, www.genaustin.org.
  • Ziploc bags
  • White card stock
  • Glue sticks
  • Markers
  • Yarn
  • Beads
  • Pens
  • Paper clips
  • Thin dry erase markers
  • Balloons
  • Butcher paper/bulk poster paper
GIRLSTART STEM CENTER
1400 W. Anderson, 512/916-4775, info@girlstart.org, www.girlstart.org.
  • 5-mm LED light
  • Batteries (CR2032 lithium coin, AA, AAA, D cell, and 9V)
  • Coffee filters
  • Colored copy paper
  • Colored markers
  • Copy paper (white)
  • Cotton balls
  • Craft sticks
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Dry-erase markers
  • Glue sticks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Masking tape
  • Painters blue tape (at least two inches wide)
  • Pencils with erasers
  • Pipe cleaners (assorted colors)
  • Plastic 9-ounce cups
  • Pom poms (assorted sizes)
  • Portion cups with lids (2 ounces)
  • Scissors (kid)
  • Scotch tape/Scotch tape dispensers
  • Sharpies (assorted colors)
  • Slime
  • Sticks of modeling clay
  • Storage bins (clear, plastic, 30-quart)
  • Tongue depressors
  • Toothpicks
  • Ziploc baggies (snack, sandwich, and gallon sizes)
  • Classroom set of iPads (20)
  • Digital StarLab
  • MakerBot filament (translucent red, translucent yellow, ocean blue)
MAKE-A-WISH CENTRAL & SOUTH TEXAS
2224 Walsh Tarlton #200, 512/329-9474, program@cstx.wish.org, www.cstx.wish.org.
  • Toys, stuffed animals, and games (ages 2-18)
  • Coloring books, adult coloring books, crayons, and markers
  • Travel supplies (neck pillows, crossword puzzles, throw blankets, portable charger, headphones, reusable water bottle, etc.)
  • Sensory toys (toys that light up or are squishy)
  • Wrapping paper, gift bags (various sizes), gift wrapping supplies (non-Christmas/holidays – white, plain royal blue, and plain colors/patterns preferred)
  • Shipping supplies (bubble mailers, packaging tape, media boxes, crinkle paper)
  • See Make-a-Wish’s Amazon Wish List for more
NEIGHBORHOOD LONGHORNS PROGRAM
2109 San Jacinto Blvd. #312, 512/232-4650, donate@nlp.utexas.edu, www.neighborhoodlonghorns.org.
  • Pencils
  • Black or blue ink pens
  • Magic markers
  • Sharpies
  • Dry-erase board markers
  • Wide-ruled loose-leaf paper
  • Construction paper
  • Printer/copier paper
  • Children’s books in English and/or Spanish (second-fifth grade level)
  • Disinfectant wipes
TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME
1101 N. Mays, Round Rock, 512/255-3682, info@tbch.org, www.tbch.org.
  • Two Keurig Mini coffeemakers
  • Personal laptop computer for college students
  • Nerf toys for kids ages 9 & up
  • Superhero 6″-7″ action figures
  • iPhone/Android accessories (Bluetooth speakers, chargers, wireless earbuds)
Arts
TILT PERFORMANCE GROUP
  • Web cameras
  • Computer compatible microphones
  • iPads
  • Production sponsors
  • Playbill advertisers
  • Video editing software for Windows
Environmental/Animals
AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!
1156 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/961-6519, donate@austinpetsalive.org, www.austinpetsalive.org.
AUSTIN YOUTH RIVER WATCH
PO Box 40351, Austin, TX 78704, 512/708-9115, riverwatcher@riverwatchers.org, www.riverwatchers.org.
  • Weed wrenches
  • Garden hose
  • Garden hose reel
  • Greenhouse supplies: tables, plant stands, pots
  • Landscaping materials: river rock, pebbles, soil
  • Native plants
  • Outdoor seating and tables for outdoor classroom
  • Wagon made of durable metal for gardening or landscaping
  • A-frame or multiposition ladder (at least 6-ft. tall)
AUSTIN ZOO
10808 Rawhide Trl., 512/288-1490, info@austinzoo.org, www.austinzoo.org.
  • Heavy-duty garden hoses in any length
  • Extension cords in any length
  • Red heat lamp bulbs
  • Raw, unsalted nuts, shelled or unshelled, any type
  • Two bar electric heaters
CLIMATE CHANGE NOW INITIATIVE
  • Sponsor Climate Change Now Initiative’s film project “Climate Change Across America” (see climatediscovery.org)
LOVE-A-BULL
2900 W. Anderson C-200 #304, 337/263-1793, macie@love-a-bull.org, love-a-bull.org.
  • Puppy food: Nulo FreeStyle Dry Puppy Kibble or grain-free puppy kibble
  • Kong Classic Toy (medium or large)
  • PetSafe EZ Walk Dog Walking Harness (medium or large)
  • Soft dog treats: small bites for training
  • Snuffle mats (interactive dog feeding mats)
  • Lick mats for dogs ( e.g., LickiMat Classic Soother)
  • Durable toys for play & fetch (e.g., Kong Jumbler Ball, Jolly Ball, or Tonka Tug toys)
  • Peanut butter
  • See Love-A-Bull’s Amazon Wish List for more
Health/Medical
CAPITAL AREA PARKINSON’S SOCIETY
PO Box 27565, Austin, TX 78755, 512/371-3373, info@capitalareaparkinsons.org, www.capitalareaparkinsons.org.
  • Two-three floor lamps
  • Two sturdy bookshelves (at least four shelves)
  • Two 2.5-liter coffee airpots
HOSPICE AUSTIN
4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., 512/342-4700, mmarble@hospiceaustin.org, www.hospiceaustin.org.
  • Board games, cards, simple art supplies, 100- to 500-piece puzzles
  • Soothing music CDs
  • Gift cards: H-E-B
  • Food pantry items: Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast, peanut butter, canned soups, canned meats, dried beans, etc.
  • Lock-boxes for doors
  • Coloring books
  • Crayons
  • Drawing tablets
  • Colored pencils
  • Word-find and puzzle books
  • Extra-soft facial tissue/Kleenex
  • Large-print Bibles and hymnals
INTEGRAL CARE
  • Adult socks
  • Adult underwear (all genders)
  • Jackets/hoodies
  • T-shirts
  • Shelf-stable food
  • Bedding/sheets
  • Bath towels
  • Sleeping bags
  • Gatorade
WE ARE BLOOD
4300 N. Lamar, 512/206-1266, wrbinfo@weareblood.org, www.weareblood.org.
  • Host a mobile blood drive
  • Platelet donations
  • Whole blood donations
Quality of Life
AUSTIN BAPTIST CHAPEL – ANGEL HOUSE SOUP KITCHEN
  • Men’s gently used clothing (no suit coats, please)
  • New sleeping bags
  • New full-sized blankets
  • See Angel House’s Amazon Wish List for more
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSICIANS AND ENTERTAINERS
6800 West Gate #132-237, homeformusicians@gmail.com, www.homeaustin.org.
  • Free advertising and promotion for events, music fundraisers, and other special projects
LIFEWORKS
  • Gift cards ($25): Walmart, Target, Visa
  • Adult-sized backpacks in dark colors
  • Adult-sized sleeping bags in dark colors
  • Tents (any size)
  • Winter jackets (adult sizes)
  • Underwear (all sizes for men and women)
MEALS ON WHEELS CENTRAL TEXAS
  • Electric can openers
  • New microwaves
  • Gift cards: H-E-B
  • Dietary supplements like Ensure
MUSIC MOVES MOUNTAINS FOUNDATION
  • Gift cards: local music stores for instruments, gear, and repair (Strait Music, South Austin Music, Tommy’s Drum Shop, etc.)
  • Gift cards: local record stores (Antone’s Record Shop, End of an Ear, Waterloo, Breakaway Records, etc.)
  • Gift cards: iTunes/apps/Apple Music subs
  • Headphones (wired/wireless)
  • Speakers (wired/wireless)
  • iPods, record players, CD players, radios (new/used)
  • Music media (records, CDs, DVDs, books)
  • Rehearsal space/time
  • Recording space/time
  • Sponsored livestream production ($100-500)
  • Sponsored music mentor/educator ($100-500)
POSADA ESPERANZA
  • For mothers: perfume, nail polish, makeup, blender, large pot, queen-sized blanket, socks and underwear (women’s sizes), hair clipper set for cutting boys hair, carry-on suitcases
  • For kids: socks and underwear (kids’ sizes), batteries (AA, AAA), new sneakers (kids’ sizes), winter hats (all ages)
  • Babies: diapers (sizes 3-6), baby wipes, warm baby clothes (sizes 6 months to 2 years), sit upon push toys for toddlers
  • Kids (ages 2-6): toy robots, remote-controlled cars, dolls (preferably brown or black), toy doll strollers, Play-Doh, kinetic sand, superhero toys
  • Kids (ages 7-12): hair ties and hairbrushes, Legos, Rubik’s Cubes, balls (all sports), craft kits, journal/drawing pads, headphones, toy drone, watches, slime, kid purses
  • Kids (ages 13-17): brand-name long-sleeve gym shirts and baseball caps (Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour), belts for jeans, fitness tracker watches, headphones, wallet, small Bluetooth speaker, toy drone, purse backpack, fuzzy soft sweatshirts, hoodie sweatshirts
  • Items for family care packages: toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, kitchen sponges, hand soap, shampoo
  • See Posada Esperanza’s Amazon Wish List for more
Rights/Advocacy
BLACK LIVES MATTER LOCAL CHAPTER
  • Sponsor an incarcerated person for $5. George Floyd was born and raised in Houston, Texas before he was killed by police in Minneapolis, Minn. Most Texas prisons use the JPAY email service where for $5 you can send an email to an inmate with up to 10 pages of attachments. Contact the Black Lives Matter Austin chapter for a list of people incarcerated in Minnesota and Texas and a 10-page resource list to send.
  • Donate to the Ron Settles Foundation for college scholarships. Ron Settles was killed by Signal Hill Police before he got to play for the Dallas Cowboys. A scholarship has been started in his memory.
  • Donate to Equal Justice Initiative. EJI works to exonerate people who have been wrongfully convicted.
CARITAS OF AUSTIN
  • Gift cards: H-E-B, Lyft, Uber, Walmart, Target, Savers
  • Household items (new items only): dishware sets; flatware sets; cookware set; kitchen utensil set; kitchen towels; oven mitts/potholders; ice cube trays; alarm clocks; blankets (especially wool); sets of clothes hangers; full- and queen-sized comforters/bedspreads; shower curtains; shower curtain liners; shower curtain ring sets; toilet bowl brushes; towel sets; plungers; mops and buckets; small trash cans; brooms and dustpans; laundry baskets
  • Pantry items: cans of meat (tuna, Spam, Vienna sausage, chicken, sardines); cans of chili (with or without beans); tomato sauce; pasta sauce; to-go tuna kits; instant coffee; hot chocolate packets; peanut butter and jelly; mayonnaise; mustard; ramen noodles; microwavable soups or meals; bottled water; mac n’ cheese; dry beans; dry rice; cans of fruit; Hamburger Helper; cereals; sugar; oatmeal
  • Nonperishable dog and cat food
  • 4G tablets and phones
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Snack kits
  • Winter care kits (new items only): winter gloves/mittens; scarves; beanies; socks; plastic poncho; hand warmers
  • Winter storm preparedness kits (new items only): fill a backpack with blankets/sleeping bags (wool blankets preferred); flashlight; batteries; radio; bottled water; snacks; socks; hand warmers; bungee cords
CASA MARIANELLA
  • Gently used men’s and women’s clothing
  • Winter clothing for men (jackets, coats, beanies, and gloves)
  • Men’s jeans or work pants (28″-38″ waist, inseam 28″-32″)
  • Men’s work boots or black work shoes
  • Unlocked cell phones
  • Flat-screen TVs
  • Gift cards: H-E-B, Goodwill
  • Full- or queen-sized mattresses/box springs/frames (preferably as a bed set)
  • New men’s socks and underwear
  • Sheets, towels, and blankets
  • Gently used kitchen items (plates, cups, pans, spatulas, and frying pans, etc.)
  • Hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion)
FRAMEWORKS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
701 Tillery Ste. A-7B, Box 15, 512/385-1500, info@frameworkscdc.org, www.frameworkscdc.org.

  • 30 Kidde AC/DC carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup & tamper-resist feature

  • Four new L-shaped desks with storage

  • Five black, ergonomic chairs

  • Six lateral four-drawer files

  • Four vertical two-drawer files

  • Two Lenovo Thinkpads (T480s)

When You Want the Best Results

All Abacus Plumbing Austin technicians are seasoned, well-trained professionals. They have performed hundreds of ductwork inspections and can work on any system. Austin homeowners can be confident in the quality of work that Abacus technicians provide.

Call Abacus Plumbing Austin at 512-400-0749 for your air duct analysis and cleaning or schedule an appointment online »