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 in the coming weeks -- in keeping with a holiday tradition -- the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will share "wish lists" of 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."
Be Santa to a Senior
What: Area nonprofits will identify lonely, isolated or needy seniors, and gift requests will be placed on a Christmas tree at Frisco Station Mall.
Where: Frisco Station Mall in Rogers
Contact: (479) 936-9885
Wish list: Secret "elves" from the community to adopt seniors, buy item on seniors' wish lists and return them unwrapped by Dec. 6. A gift wrapping party will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8. Money for wrapping also may be donated.
Healthy Families
of Benton County
What: Healthy Families of Benton County serves first-time mothers between the ages of 12 and 24. The organization conducts weekly home visits, in which representatives provide parenting education, resources and support for new, struggling mothers. The ultimate goal is to build stronger families and brighter futures for both parents and children.
Where: 1401 S. Eighth St. in Rogers
Website: nwachildcare.org
Contact: (479) 544-3051, [email protected]
Wish list: Baby supplies such as diapers and wipes, newborn to size 3T clothing, infant to 3-year-old developmental toys, formula and books for the children. Any household items such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, etc., and hygiene products for mothers and children would be helpful as well.
Fabulous Felines
What: This foster-home based group helps rescue cats and kittens and find homes. All cats are spayed or neutered, tested, vaccinated and microchipped. Fabulous Felines has helped more than 700 cats and kittens so far this year.
Where: P.O. Box 1283, Bentonville 72712
Website: fabulousfelinesnwa.org
Contact: [email protected]
Wish list: Cat beds, toys, scratching posts, litter boxes, Purina Kitten Chow, Purina One, 4 Health for all ages (available at Tractor Supply), Friskies or Fancy Feast Pate canned food, donations for spaying and neutering.
Havenwood
What: Havenwood's mission is to develop and empower single mothers to achieve self-sufficiency by providing safe housing, a network of support and life skills training.
Upcoming fundraisers: Journey Gala, Feb. 24
Where: 808 N. Main St., Bentonville 72712
Website: nwahavenwood.org
Contact: (479) 273-1060, [email protected]
Wish list: Paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, dish soap, etc.; volunteers; financial donations.
Pajama Program
What: For children who don't know a loving home environment or who live unstable lives in unsafe situations, the treasured bedtime ritual most people grew up with is unknown. The Pajama Program delivers good nights with an intention of providing good days. They accomplish this with the rather magical gifts of pajamas and books -- ordinary objects that transform bedtime into a ritual of love, warmth, imagination and fun.
Upcoming fundraiser: Carters Inc. Drive 2017. Purchase pajamas in any Carter's store and donate them to the Pajama Program at the stores. Donations also can be made on the organization's website. Pajama Program also receives support throughout the year from those who shop at smile.amazon.com.
Contact: Pajamaprogram.org, [email protected]
Wish List: New boys and girls pajamas, sizes preemie to 3X, and new books.
NAN Our Town on 11/02/2017