Northwest Arkansas is blessed with a large number of nonprofit agencies that, together, work to meet just about every need. These organizations are supported by the generosity of the community.
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, the regions' residents do a phenomenal job of "taking care of our own."
Village Lake Writers & Poets
What: The group invites local writers, poets, authors, storytellers, friends, alumni, community patrons and all lovers of books and stories to this literary guild. Comprised of local writers, poets, authors and story tellers, the group promotes the joy, appreciation, writing skill development and practice of telling and writing good stories.
Upcoming fundraiser: Bella Vista Public Library fundraiser, March 11.
Where: The Artist Retreat Center, 13467 Lookout Drive, Bella Vista
Website: facebook.com/villagelakewritersandpoets
Contact: (608) 642-1294, [email protected]
Wish list: Name and banner for tent events, tent for participating in Bella Vista Farmers Market and Bentonville First Friday events, desk chair, small-room sound system with two-room speakers, large monitor screen for workshop presentations, a small computer laptop, printer and table, paper and telephone for conference calls and monthly sponsors at $75 to provide food and beverages during event intermissions.
Himalayan Village Fund
What: This tiny organization strives to provide solutions to some of life's difficulties that affect the children in the Himalayan Mountains. The current focus is to provide scholarships for Dhalit children in two remote villages in Nepal.
Upcoming fundraisers: Fundraising endeavors are via the website or personal contact with board members Meme and Milton Burke, Greg Thomas, Jonna Hussey and John Remmers.
Where: 1532 W. Cleveland St., Fayetteville
Website: [email protected]
Wish list: Monetary donations for tuition, books, uniforms, etc.
Children's Safety Center
What: The Children's Safety Center of Washington County empowers children to overcome abuse and begin to trust, hope and heal.
Upcoming fundraisers: Children's Christmas Train, Saturday
Where: 614 E. Emma Ave., Suite 200, Springdale
Website: childrenssafetycenter.org
Contact: (479) 872-6183 or [email protected]
Wish list: New plush animals, new sports bras (all sizes), teen girl workout pants and shirts (all sizes), teen girl underwear (size 6, 7 and 8), Xbox 360 games, Xbox gaming controllers, Wii games, wooden kids' tables and chairs for play room, new couches for lobby area, guest chairs for clients, diapers and wipes, individually wrapped juice boxes and snacks.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
What: The museum preserves and provides resources for finding meaning, enjoyment and inspiration in the exploration of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Where: 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale
Website: shilohmuseum.org
Contact: (479) 750-8165 or [email protected]
Wish list: Donations that will be used to complete the restoration of the historic 1871 Shiloh Meeting Hall, complete repairs on the 1851 Ritter-McDonald log cabin, renovations of the museum exhibit hall and repairs to the 1870s Searcy House.
Ozark Folkways
What: Ozark Folkways is dedicated to the preservation, celebration, instruction and development of Ozark arts, crafts and music.
Where: 22733 N. Highway 71, Winslow
Website: ozarkfolkways.org
Contact: (479) 634-3791 or [email protected]
Wish list: In addition to financial support, Ozark Folkways can use volunteers. All events are supported by volunteers passionate about continuing the tradition of native arts, crafts, music and food. Because they are in a historic building, resources and materials for upkeep and renovation can be used, including construction expertise and labor. Grant writing support also would be appreciated.
Restoration Village
What: The program helps restore the lives of women and women with children in crisis through safe shelter and life-changing services while promoting stability, dignity and self-reliance.
Upcoming fundraisers: Afternoon of Fairytales, Feb. 3
Where: 2215 Little Flock Drive, Little Flock
Website: restorationvillage.net
Contact: [email protected]
Wish list: Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, tuna and beans), tomato sauce, tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, Rotel, lemonade mix, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, fabric softener, hand soap in the pump bottles, paper goods (plates, cups, napkins, bowls, paper towels, toilet paper), cleaning supplies (bathroom and kitchen), trash bags (kitchen size) and more can be found on the website. Click on "How You Can Help."
NAN Our Town on 11/30/2017