Northwest Arkansas is blessed with a large number of nonprofit agencies that, together, meet just about every need. These organizations are supported by the generosity of the community.
Starting today and through the coming weeks until January -- in keeping with a holiday tradition -- the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will share "wish lists" from local charitable agencies.
Northwest Arkansas is a great community in many ways. One of them is that because of the number of well-run, well-targeted nonprofits, we do a phenomenal job of "taking care of our own."
H2O Food Pantry
(Help-to-Others)
What we do: Our mission is to lead and engage our community in the fight against hunger. We provide supplemental groceries to people in need.
Address: 424 Main St., Centerton, open Saturday 10 a.m.-noon; send mail to 551 Jack Perry Drive, Centerton 72719
Facebook: H2OFoodPantry
Contact: Amy Prime at 644-7598
Wish list: Canned vegetables, fruits, soups, tuna, chicken, peanut butter, jelly/jam, macaroni and cheese; Ramen noodles, rice; pasta.
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Elizabeth Richardson Center
What we do: The Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) is the most comprehensive provider of disability services in Northwest Arkansas. We have been serving the needs of individuals with disabilities since 1963. We operate a total of four Child Development Centers in Fayetteville, Huntsville, Springdale and Siloam Springs that serve the needs of children 6 weeks to 5 years of age with developmental delays or disabilities. For adults, we provide community employment, independent living options, life skills classes, job skills training, recreational activities and community involvement.
Address: 10 S. College Ave., Fayetteville 72701
Website: ercinc.org
Contact: Finley Turner, 872-1800
Wish lists:
Child Development Centers -- Diapers of all sizes, Parent's Choice formula Advanced with Iron, baby and children's body wash and baby lotion, towels and wash cloths, jars of baby food (Stage 2, vegetables and meat mixed), forks and spoons in toddler and adult sizes, small fleece throw blankets, long-sleeved art smocks for children, indoor games such as Electronic Hot Potato, kids' music CDs, new or gently used infant and preschool toys, board books for babies and preschool books for ages 3-5, new and gently used children's pants and shirts sizes 12 months to 5T.
Adult programs -- Wall artwork, mirrors and clocks, family friendly movies on DVD, construction paper, coloring books, markers, paint sets, sketching paper, beads and beading string, men's and women's winter gloves and hats, hair products including spray, gel, shampoo, conditioner, small boom box with CD player and MP3 compatibility, diabetic socks in women's size 9-10, electric razors for men and women, women's jeans sizes 14 to 20, men's and women's socks, unisex XL long sleeve and short sleeve T-shirts, women's sports bras and underwear, non-slip socks and house shoes, men's and women's pajamas (pants and tops), yoga mats.
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Smiles for a Lifetime NWA
What we do: We give 12 youth in our area free braces whose families can not afford them. Youth must be 18 or younger. Family's income cannot exceed two times the national poverty limits. An all-volunteer board selects the recipients. Dr. Darin Storms provides orthodontic treatment.
Address: P.O. Box 858, Bentonville 72712
Contact: Lydia Palmer at s4l.nwa@gmail.com
Wish list: We need donations to the organization to help with dental needs of recipients that the scholarship does not cover. We have a local Arvest account and donations can be made to Smiles for a Lifetime NWA at any Arvest branch. Donations can also be sent to our post office box. Technical help to update our website, s4l-nwa.org, is also needed.
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Second Street Pantry Missions
What we do: Our pantry is open each Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. Anyone experiencing food insecurity may come each week to pick up a grocery bag full of food. We also provide a dinner from 5-6 p.m. that day at no charge for anyone who wants to eat with us. In addition to food and dinner, we interview clients residing in Bentonville or smaller surrounding communities who have a utility shutoff notice and/or an eviction notice. We use what funds have been donated to the pantry to assist these friends. Usually we have about $800 per week to work with. The need far exceeds the supply of funds. We weekly shop Northwest Arkansas Food Bank for food, but have no resource for personal care items.
Address: 201 NW Second St., Bentonville 72712
Contact: Doylene Fuqua at 640-1639
Wish List: Personal care items such as deodorant, shampoo, body soap, tooth paste, toothbrushes.
Email your nonprofit organization's wish list to ourtown@nwadg.com.
NAN Our Town on 12/06/2018