It is that time of year again that many in our community are looking for ways to give back during the Holiday Season. This year’s “Holiday Help” list highlights everything that our local nonprofit agencies need to keep doing the great work in our community.
This year’s “Holiday Help” list informs the residents of Barry County of the many different ways that they can volunteer, support, and/or give a gift that will make a difference in their community. Gift requests often can range from items that an agency is looking to have donated to volunteer work to monetary donations and more.
For more information, contact Morgan Johnson at the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 269-945-4010. Items can be dropped off at the local agency that is requesting the item or can be brought to the Barry County United Way Volunteer Center at 231 S. Broadway in Hastings for distribution.
The “Holiday Help Needs” list follows:
Barry County Animal Shelter – is a small shelter located in Hastings, MI. We strive to return animals to their owners or place them in the best homes possible.
Larger dog collars/leashes, cat collars, Purina Dog/Puppy and Cat/Kitten food, Iams canned dog food, Friskies canned cat food, Milk bones, cat treats, peanut butter, kitten formula, paper towels, Dawn dish soap, Clorox wipes, dishwasher pods, Kleenex, dog/cat beds, litter pans/scoopers, metal bowls, tennis balls, Kong toys, nylabones.
Contact Morgan Pelham (McNutt), 269-948-4885
Barry Great Start Collaborative – through community events, home visiting, collaboration with other agencies, Welcome baby Program and the Family Coalition BGSC promotes advocacy for early childhood.
We need help assembling our new office desks and a filing cabinet. There are 9 large boxes.
Barry County United Way – Improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of Barry County Communities.
Volunteers for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program
For the Fresh Food Initiative: peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, boxed mac and Cheese, boxed cereal
Heavy duty utility wagon (preferably collapsible)
New, unwrapped gifts for the Toys for Barry County Kids program
Contact Morgan Johnson, 269-945-4010
CASA for Kids Barry County – Court Appointed Special Advocates provide long-term, highly trained advocates to children. CASA ensures that the needs of the child are met, their voices are heard, and they are in a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.
Gift cards to ACE, Tractor Supply, Walmart, Meijer, TJ Maxx
Family Promise of Barry County – Their mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community based response.
Volunteers!
Gas/Grocery cards
Paper products: toilet paper, paper towel
Laundry Supplies: soap, softener, dryer sheets
Cleaning supplies for bathrooms and kitchen
Toiletries and Hygiene items
Bedding Sets: Twin, full, and queen sizes
Contact Abbie Hockstad, 269-256-4594
Family Support Center of Barry County – To support and strengthen families to eliminate and prevent child abuse and neglect through awareness, advocacy, and education.
Diapers – especially large nighttime for girls
Contact Linda Maupin, 269-945-5439
Green Gables Haven – Offers shelter for abused women and children for up to 4 weeks. GGH provides a temporary, secure, nurturing environment and support to enable victims of domestic violence in Barry County to make appropriate life altering changes.
Gift cards for gas and groceries
Their most current needs can be found on their Amazon wishlist. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XZ4D2YTFNADE?ref_=wl_share
Cleaning products, paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, tissue, paper plates, plastic silverware), ziploc bags (sandwich and gallon sizes), personal care items, Non-perishable food items
Contact Christy Durham, 269-804-6021
Habitat for Humanity – partnering with low income families in our community with building homes and repairs.
Gas Cards/Cash for pickups in the Community
New battery operated drill/impact driver kit
New circular saw, New sawzall, Drill bit kit
Contact Cindy Preston or Kim Jansens, 269-948-9939
Manna’s Market, Inc – providing food, clothing bank and baby panty serving all of Barry County and parts of Ionia and Eaton Counties.
Volunteers to sort and hang clothing. 3 hour shifts on Wednesday mornings each week.
Volunteers to drive to Battle Creek, Ionia and Hastings to pick up groceries 1x per week. Truck and trailer provided.
Volunteers for janitorial services. Each shift could be between 2 and 3 hours with your availability per week.
Contact Jayne Flanigan, 269-838-5887
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute – set on 850 acres in rural Barry County. PCCI, is a mix between an environmental education center, nature center, and biological field station, provides visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.
New/Used plastic sleds
Masking tape
Pencils and pencil top erasers, glue sticks, glue bottles, dry erase markers, scissors
Loose popcorn kernels
Michigan Fish Examples that have been taxidermied
Contact Sara Syswerda, 269-721-4434
The Shack – A totally free clothing outreach available to everyone regardless of income or residency. Run completely on donations and volunteers. We pride ourselves on treating everyone with dignity and respect.
VOLUNTEERS to work (1) Saturday a month 10a-2p
New underwear – all sizes
Gloves/mittens (waterproof)
New Carpet
Sidewalk Repairs
Contact Kathy Forsyth, 269-207-2515