As the temperature drops and the days become shorter and shorter, we are all thinking about the coming cold winter. The colorful light display reminds us of the warmth that winter vacation can provide. Some of the greatest warmth is provided by family gatherings, which usually include gifts.
We have something on our holiday wish list. The same goes for non-profit service organizations that help residents and tourists meet their needs.
If you are able to give, here are some of the things that these organizations need.
Mailing and delivery address: 3108 US Highway 52 North, Rochester, MN 55901
www.bearcreekservice.org │ 507-288-7195 │ pama@bearcreekservices.org
Mission statement: to provide a personalized community life experience for people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries.
New household items: bathroom carpet set, bath towel, double XL/full bedspread, single/double XL/full/large blanket, bookshelf, bath towel, coffee maker, computer desk, 1.5 quart/6 quart Crock-Pots, Corelle Tableware for 8 people, tableware, floor lamp, food processor, foot bath, frying pan, non-breakable glass, glass bakeware, pan, juicer, knife set, knife set, mixing bowl, mop and bucket, pillow , Pot and pan set, recliner, double bed/double bed/double bed/double bed/king bed, silverware set for 8 and 12 people, new smart TV, storage box, waffle maker, vacuum cleaner.
Men's items: Twins baseball cap, electric shaver with beard trimmer, basketball pants M/L, boxer shorts L, cologne, dress shirt 2XL, ear and nose trimmer, Elvis tie, fleece jacket L, men’s fun Socks, hooded sweatshirt L/Minnesota’s XL/2XL, jeans-40x30, 42x30, 34x30, 36x38 (with elastic waist), 50x36, pajamas XL, pajama suit M/L, pants M, long-sleeved shirt L/ XL/2XL/4XL, white and black socks, thermal socks, cardigan XL, sweater M/L, sweatpants M/L/XL/2XL, sweatshirt XL/2XL, pajama pants 2XL, T-shirt XL, Viking Men's T-shirt L/XL, wrestling t-shirt XL/2XL, warm winter clothes M/L/XL, wallet, warm winter gloves M/L/XL.
Women's products: shower gel, size 8.5 Crocs, size 16/large elastic waist jeans, jewelry/earrings, leggings with pockets XL/4XL, thermal pajamas L/4XL, thermal pajamas 12/14 and L, perfume, long sleeves Shirt L/2XL, T-shirt XL, slippers 6/8/10, socks 8-10, sports pants XL, swimsuit 16, tennis shoes 9, winter gloves M, winter hat/scarf, extended winter clothes M/L/4XL.
Miscellaneous: among us plush toys, souvenirs: cats, Disney, Elvis, Golden Girl, Vikings, wrestling (WWE), simple handicrafts, art supplies, board games, Dracula toys, children’s puzzles, Coloring Book-Adults and Children, Deck Bird Feeder, DVD Player, Frisbee Golf Disc, DVD-Ace Ventura Pet Detective/Chucky/Fast & Furious F9/Horror Movie/Batman/Cowboy/Cowgirl/Latest Disney /Kenny Rogers Gambler Series/Golden Girl Season 3-7/Star Wars/Wrestling/Current Movies, Fishing Gear, Outdoor Gnomish Garden Decoration, Golf T-shirts and Balls, Headphones, Lego: Expert Level/Friend's House/Ice and Snow Castles, lunch boxes, coloring markers, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch games: action adventure/Mario, pet fish with tanks, PS4 games, puzzles-large blocks, raised garden beds, spinners-finger exercisers, umbrellas, Wooden log toys, yarn and needles, dolls, baby clothes for babies to 2T.
Gift Card*: The following five, five guys, A&W, Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Bowlocity, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Culvers, Dollar Tree, Dominos, Erbert & Gerbert's, GameStop, Great Clips, Great Wall, Hobbies Lobby, Hy-Vee, iTunes, Jimmy John's, Kwik Trip, McDonald's, Michaels, Outback Steakhouse, Panera, Petco, Red Lobster, Rogan's, Subway, Target, Ulta Beauty, Wal-Mart, movie theater, coffee shop, Chinese or Japanese restaurant.
* Mail the gift card to Bear Creek Services Attn: Pam Alberts/Holiday, 3108 US Highway 52 N., Rochester, MN 55901, or call 507-288-7195 to arrange drop-off.
Mailing and delivery address: 3015 Crescent Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901
www.bundlesoflove.org │ 507-216-1686 │ juneleecahoon@gmail.com
Mission Statement: Bundles of Love is a group of skilled and caring volunteers who work with hospitals and social institutions in Minnesota to help families in financial difficulties by providing handmade clothing and basic nursing supplies for newborns. We also provide newborn gift packs for military families. It can also provide hand-made baby bereavement clothes for grieving families.
No. 1 diapers, baby wipes, baby shower gel or shampoo, knitted fabrics suitable for baby pajamas and gowns, flannel for storing blankets or quilts, cotton wool for baby quilts, and crib sheets Volunteers and volunteers for wide cloth, sewing, tailoring, knitting or crocheting take possible leadership positions and donate money.
Mailing and delivery address: 131 35th St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904
www.helpingfeedpeople.org/ │ 507-287-2350 │ jessicasund@channel-one.org
Mission statement: Channel One strengthens access to food and builds healthy communities.
As a food bank, Channel One has huge purchasing power and can turn every $1.15 into four meals, expand your donation range, and provide more food for people facing food insecurity.
Visit helpfeedpeople.org/donate to make a donation.
Organize virtual festive food events:
This year, we ask you to host or support virtual food events instead of organizing holiday food events in person.
Visit helpfeedpeople.org/donate/virtual-food-drive/ and click to register a new food drive or support an ongoing food drive.
Mailing and delivery address: 2530 Broadway Ave. N., Rochester, MN 55906
www.exercisabilities.org │ 507-259-7570 │ info@exercisabilities.org
Mission statement: Let everyone live a happy, healthy and independent life.
Please consider donating or purchasing items from the ExercisAbilities Amazon Wish List at www.exercisabilities.org/donate or the donation Christmas tree in their office.
Mailing and delivery address: 2500 Valleyhigh Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901
www.imaa.net │ 507-289-5960 │ Online question
Mission statement: Create a diverse, inclusive and fair community by empowering individuals to build bridges between cultures.
Currency donations are the most needed and can be provided at www.4giving.com/donation/7C60.
Mailing and delivery address: 850 Second St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902
www.rmhmn.org │ 507-282-3955 │ jdreyer@rmhmn.org
Mission Statement: The Uncle McDonald’s House in Rochester provides a home away from home and supports families seeking medical care for their children.
Babies and toddlers: rattles and teething toys, pacifiers and feeding bottles, baby toys, Fisher Price baby/toddler toys, onesies and clothing, stacking toys, musical toys, muslin and receiving blankets, animal snuggles and Taggies blankets, Blackboard and wrinkle books, silicone teething necklace, children's Lego toys, cars, trucks and trains, Barbie and Barbie accessories, action figures, Disney princess dolls and toys, superhero toys and games, craft kits, coloring books, Crayons and markers, art kits, assembly kits, puzzles, Play-Doh and Play-Doh toys, board games and card games, dolls and accessories, books and book covers.
Teenagers: portable speakers, headphones and earplugs, bath and body suits, jewelry, cosmetics, nail polish and hairdressing supplies, craft kits and supplies, clothing (T-shirts, hoodies, sports), exercise balls, gym/sports bags, Lego Suits, board games and card games, walkie-talkies, adult picture books, paper airplane books, marker and colored pencil sets, books and book sets.
Sensory toys: push and burst bubble toys, liquid motion bubble timer, rain sticks and musical instruments, aquarium coloring and graffiti pads, fingertip sensory toys, plush bracelets, rotating glow sticks, counting and sorting toys, soft balls.
Parents: cosmetics, wallets and handbags, clothes (T-shirts, hoodies, pajamas, slippers), bath and body products, household goods and home decoration, insulated travel coffee cups and water bottles, tools and car care kits, clothes ( T-shirts, hoodies, sports, hunting) and water bottles, shaving and shower gel, ball caps.
Gift cards: gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants (fast food restaurants and fast food restaurants), supermarkets (Walmart and Target).
Pantry requirements: Individually packaged snacks, instant soups and meals, hamburger assistants, Pop-Tarts, peanut butter, jams and jellies (any variety), granola bars, coffee creamer, SpaghettiOs/pasta/ravioli (Microwave cup), chicken noodle/tomato soup (microwave cup), pasta sauce (alfredo and marinara), instant pasta/rice, canned fruit/fruit cup, condiments (tomato sauce, mustard, salad dressing, etc.).
Household needs: garbage bags (39 gallons, 13 gallons, 5 and 8 gallons), liquid dishwasher detergent (no pods), durable disposable bowls (10 ounces and 20 ounces) and plates (dinner and dessert)), Plastic spoon, Dixie Perfect Touch 12 ounce coffee cup, paper cup, disinfectant wipes, dry paper.
Family and event needs: gift cards for gas stations, grocery stores, movie theaters, restaurants, shops, hospital cafeterias, recently released DVD and Blu-ray movies.
Note: Due to the health problems of the children in the house, the items donated from the wish list cannot be self-made. They must be brand new, unexpired and original packaging. Please do not gift wrapping items.
Mailing address: PO Box 733 Rochester, MN 55903
Delivery address: 1001 1/2 First Ave. SE, Rochester, MN 55904
www.safehavenpetrescue.com │ 507-529-4079 │safehavencat@yahoo.com
Mission Statement: To provide services for the rescue of cats and dogs in need of adoption in southeastern Minnesota.
Cat needs: Wet cat food: Science Diet canned chicken and kitten food, Iams chicken and kitten food double pack, Friskies, 9-Lives and Fancy Feast. Dry cat food: Purina Special Care (normal and fur balls), Iams (adults and kittens), Science Diet (adults and kittens), Pro Plan (adults and kittens). Special food: Gerber chicken and gravy baby food, KMR Kitten milk replacer (wet and dry), canned tuna (packaged with water). Litter: clay only (not scooped). Toys: balls, plush mice, stick/pull toys. Kitty Condos: One and two floors.
Dog needs: dry dog food, canned dog food, dog biscuits, knotted cowhide bones from the United States, pig ears, hard rubber toys.
Shelter supplies: garbage bags, detergent and laundry soap, bleach, paper towels, dial liquid antibacterial hand sanitizer, isopropyl alcohol, hand sanitizer, peroxide, letter-size copy paper.
Mailing and delivery address: 4156 18th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901
www.stjamescoffee.com │ 507-281-3559 │ info@stjamescoffee.com
Mission statement: To be a place where people meet Christ and his church, train disciples and equip evangelists.
Christmas and Christian themed cups, empty woven baskets with handles, sponsors (24) that we worship the church’s new ceiling tiles, cash and online donations to support youth activities and after-school activities, three 32-inch high-definition screens to replace the blackboard Menu, Hoover FloorMate luxury hard floor cleaner.