Share The Spirit

Last updated Wednesday, December 3, 2008 5:59 PM CST in Our Town

By THE MORNING NEWS

2300 S.E. 28th St., No. 306

Bentonville, AR 72712

Debra Broyles, Gala Chairwoman

443-4357

The mission of the association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Christmas Giving Tree

The Alzheimer's Association hosted its first Alzheimer's Gala, an auction of decorated Christmas trees, last month and raised more than $100,000 for Northwest Arkansas. The association is already thinking about next year's fundraiser, which will be Nov. 14, 2009. The organization is requesting donations of Christmas trees in excellent condition with no ornaments or ribbons attached. Donors can arrange for a pick-up if they are unable to deliver the trees.

Arts Center of the Ozarks

214 S. Main St.

Springdale, AR 72764

Alice Church

751-5441

Making great entertainment and providing creative educational opportunities for all ages has been the mission of the center since 1967. The organization offers art classes and exhibits, theater productions and choral concerts.

Supplying The Arts

The Arts Center of the Ozarks is requesting items like an all-purpose utility cart, a commercial dishwasher and refrigerator, a new film projection screen, four new office desks, a six-foot and eight-foot ladder, a multi-disc CD player for the gallery, one day of electricity ($75), heating ($50) or postage ($40), a computer monitor, two flat-screen TVs and general donations for projects and class supplies.

Arts Live Theatre

1378 N. College Ave.

P.O. Box 4362

Fayetteville, AR 72702

521-4932 or info@artslivetheatre.com

Arts Live Theatre is a children's theater dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families in Northwest Arkansas by providing professional educational and performance opportunities for young actors.

Support Children's Theater

The children's theater is requesting shelving units, file cabinets, a computer, scaffolding, paper goods (like paper towels, toilet paper and copier paper), an office chair, pocket folders and their own space for a theater.

Benton County Women's Shelter

P.O. Box 572

Bentonville, AR 72712

Barbara Denson, Volunteer Coordinator

273-5702

Benton County Women's Shelter is dedicated to meeting the needs of domestic violence victims and assisting in eliminating the violence in their lives.

Adopt A Family

This is an opportunity for an individual or group to adopt a family to make its Christmas much brighter. Call for more information.

Bentonville Public Schools Building Bridges Program

400 N.W. Second St.

Bentonville, AR 72712

Deb Kee, Executive Director

254-5040 or dkee@bentonville.k12.ar.us

Building Bridges, a program of the Bentonville Public Schools Childcare Enrichment Services, offers child care to infants and toddlers with priority given to parenting teens. The mission statement is to inspire creativity and achievement, to foster integrity, compassion, and respect, and to promote lifelong learning in a safe and caring environment.

Teen Parents In Need

Teen parents need diapers, formula, baby wipes as well as baby clothes, coats, etc. Toys and books for Christmas would be great as well.

Bentonville Public School Parents As Teachers

400 N.W. Second St.

Bentonville, AR 72712

Tawnya Lewis, Program Coordinator

254-5900 or tlewis@bentonville.k12.ar.us

Parents As Teachers, a program of the Bentonville Public Schools Childcare Enrichment Services, strives to provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.

Food For The Holidays

During the holiday season, Bentonville Public Schools Parents As Teachers delivers turkey or ham dinners to local families. A sample food bag for a family of four includes one frozen turkey or ham, two cans of vegetables, one box of instant potatoes and one can of fruit and/or one dessert, such as pudding. Donations of these types of items will be accepted through Dec. 19.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

610 E. Emma Ave.

Springdale, AR 72764

Hasson Felber, Program Director

756-5683 or hfelber@bbbsnwa.org

In the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, caring adults and children -- Big and Little Brothers and Sisters -- are matched for one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Holiday Party Help

Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its annual Holiday Party for community-based matches from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Jones Center for Families. The organization needs sponsors to buy pizza and desserts, and volunteers to help with the event.

Children's House

2190 S. Razorback Road

Fayetteville, AR 72701

Patricia Jones, Program Director

443-5239 or trishjones0707@yahoo.com

The mission of Children's House is to foster an environment where very young victims of abuse and/or neglect can develop, learn and receive therapy and care, regardless of social or economic background.

Time For Children

During the holidays, volunteers 13 years of age or older can help Children's House protect, nurture and support child victims of abuse and neglect. Volunteers must obtain a TB skin test, attend an orientation which will include registration, fill out a Central Registry Check, be found clear of abuse and/or neglect and sign a confidentiality agreement. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have consent of a parent.

Through volunteers, these children can have the opportunity to experience the joy of the holidays.

Elizabeth Richardson Center

3917 S. Old Missouri Road

Springdale, AR 72764

Susan Neyman, Director of Marketing and Development

872-1800, ext. 209, sneyman@ercinc.org

The Elizabeth Richardson Center is a 45-year-old organization that serves more than 400 individuals with disabilities in the Northwest Arkansas area each year. Clients range in age from birth through retirement age. Most of the children who attend preschool and receive medically directed therapies are Medicaid recipients -- an indicator of their need. In addition, many of the 30 clients who are residents in one of the center's group homes will remain in the home during the holiday season -- even on Christmas Day.

This is an often overlooked population when church, business and civic groups make plans for organizing their holiday projects. It would be an outstanding addition to the center if a gift "package" could be offered for each child and adult client to brighten their holiday season.

Holiday Help

Children's needs (18 months to 5 years, male and female): Hats, gloves, underwear, baby wipes, small toys (baby dolls, vehicles, puzzles), toothbrush and toothpaste, pajamas

Adult needs (male and female): Underwear, bed sheet sets (twin and double), hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush), sugar free goodies, recorded music, adult "pull up" style diapers size L and XL, craft supplies (markers, scissors, glue sticks), socks, bathrobe and slippers.

Faith In Action

1801 Forest Hills Blvd., Suite 200

Bella Vista, AR 72715

12 E. Appleby Road

Fayetteville, AR 72703

Nancy Galbraith, Volunteer Services Assistant

855-7804, ngalbraith@wregional.com

Faith in Action is a volunteer-based organization providing homebound seniors with free non-medical services to promote their independence, dignity and quality of life.

Project Santa Comfort Baskets

Faith In Action is seeking donations of items like soap, lotion, cotton swabs, cotton balls, toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture tablets, facial tissues, deodorant, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, disposable razors, body wash, hand soap, emery boards, nail clippers, stamps, note cards/greeting cards, efficient light bulbs, night lights, batteries, calendars, small flashlights, regular and sugar-free candy and chocolates, regular and sugar-free jam, nuts, hand towels and wash cloths.

Donations may be delivered to either Faith in Action office or a pick-up can be arranged by calling Sara Bartlett at 463-7860 or Nancy Galbraith at 855-7804.

Family Network

614 E. Emma, Suite 135

Springdale, AR 72764

Judi Singleton, Executive Director

927-3659 or single1@jtlshop.jonesnet.org

Family Network's mission is to meet the needs of families in Northwest Arkansas for personalized parenting, education and family support.

Holiday Gifts

Family Network is seeking donations to go toward holiday gifts for 40 families, 20 babies and 20 toddlers. The children range in age from birth to 4 years old, and the teen parents are between 12 and 19. For babies and toddlers, the organization is requesting bath items and products, spill-proof sippy cups, toddler plates, bowls and utensils, crib sheets, sleepers and five to 10 safety gates. For first-time parents: disposable cameras, gift cards for printing pictures and gas cards.

Life Styles Inc.

2471 W. Sycamore St.

Fayetteville, AR 72703

Karen Takemoto

521-3581 or ktakemoto@lifestylesinc.org

Life Styles serves 130 individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington and Benton counties through three interconnected programs: Supported Living, College for Living and Supported Employment.

Gifts For Consumers

Life Styles Inc. is seeking a variety of donated items like uniform scrubs for working consumers, restaurant and movie gift cards, CDs, a vacuum cleaner, air fresheners, toiletries, art supplies, gloves, a microwave oven, clothing, sugar-free gumballs, jewelry, taxi coupons, bedding sets and movies.

Madison County 4-H Clubs

2222 Madison 6555

Huntsville, AR 72740

Barbara Smith

738-1170 or bsmith@unitedwaynwa.org

Madison County 4-H Clubs strive to teach youth ages 5 through 19 about leadership, citizenship and community service. These things teach children skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives.

Senior Citizen Gift Bag Project

On Saturday, the 4-H youth will put together collected food and personal care items for senior citizens in Madison County. The organization needs donations of nonperishable food items and personal care items such as shampoo, toothpaste and any other items.

Mother To Mother Ministry Of NWA

P.O. Box 2087

Bentonville, AR 72712

Mindy Walker, Executive Director

426-1143 or mtmmofnwa@aol.com

The mission of Mother-to-Mother Ministry is to provide a network of friendship and resources to enhance a mother's potential through education, fellowship and spiritual enrichment.

A Mother's Christmas Joy

Each year, Mother to Mother provides more than 100 women and children with a nice Christmas party. This is one day that a mother doesn't have to worry about how she will feed her children. Santa Claus joins the group, and each child is given one special gift. The mothers, who generally do not receive gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day, or other special holidays, each receive a goodie bag full of fun, interesting things. They also have an opportunity to spend their "mommy dollars" -- money that they earn throughout the year by keeping a job, meeting goals, attending classes -- in a silent auction to purchase new items for themselves.

The organization needs donations and elves to help pass out goodie bags, toys and food.

The organization will gather donations until Dec. 5; the Christmas party will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20.

Northwest Arkansas Child Care Resource and Referral Center Inc.

614 E. Emma Ave., Ste. 107

Springdale, AR 72764

Michelle Wynn

751-3463 or mwynn@jtlshop.jonesnet.org

The mission of the Northwest Arkansas Child Care Resource and Referral Center is to promote the development and nurturing of all children through quality childcare that is safe and healthy for every child. The organization will work to strengthen and enhance parenting skills, improve communication between parent and childcare providers, and retain, recruit and train quality new childcare providers.

Mentor A Child

The center is always in need of mentors to volunteer for its HIP program for children of prisoners. The organization is also requesting the donation of canned food, children's games, toys, toiletries and gloves.

Ozark Guidance Foundation

P.O. Box 6430

Springdale, AR 72766-6430

Mike Fontana, Development Specialist

695-1240 ext. 119

The foundation's mission is to save and change lives by providing compassionate, quality mental health services.

Toys and Sporting Goods

The Ozark Guidance Foundation is requesting toys for children ages 3 and older, as well as sporting equipment for children and adolescents.

PeaceKids Learning Center And Preschool

805 W. Olrich St.

Rogers, AR 72756

Roseann Bowlin, Program Director

621-5683 or roseann@peace-church.org

PeaceKids' mission is to offer quality Christian education and care to all who enter the center by providing a safe, enriching environment in which to thrive.

Door Prizes For Staff Christmas Party

The learning center staff works hard to provide nurturing care for children. The organization would like to let them know how much they are appreciated by giving them a little something at a staff Christmas party, and is seeking donations like gift certificates, food and entertainment tickets.

The Salvation Army

219 W. 15th St.

Fayetteville, AR 72701

504 N. Dixieland Road

Rogers, AR 72756

315 Holcomb St.

Springdale, AR 72764

Sharon Robinson, Volunteer Coordinator

521-2151, sharonmemories@yahoo.com

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with the mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Angel Tree Attendant

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to staff the Angel Tree in the Northwest Arkansas Mall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 13. Attendants will assist people in choosing an Angel from the tree, receive gifts when they are returned, and must be able to sit for lengths of time.

Angel Tree Warehouse

Volunteers are needed to sort gifts for Angel Tree distribution from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 20. This opportunity is for anyone who can walk and carry the weight of a shopping bag. Volunteers also will be needed to assist in the distribution the week of Dec. 15 through 20.

Ringing Bells at the Kettle

Christmas is a very important time of the year for The Salvation Army. A large part of the income that is used throughout the year to assist those in need is brought in during the Christmas season through the "Red Kettles." Volunteers are needed to keep the bells ringing through Dec. 25 at various retail stores across Northwest Arkansas. Group or individual volunteers must be able to attend the kettle, ring the bell and smile.

Meals For Volunteers

During the busy Christmas season, the Salvation Army is made up of thousands of volunteers. These volunteers give up so much to be a part of the mission, and the organization wants to keep them fed throughout this busy time. Any amount of assistance is appreciated.

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Washington County

614 E. Emma Ave. Suite 103

Springdale, AR 72764

Jody Dilday, Executive Director

750-4971 or jody@spsfwc.org

The mission of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Washington County is to help single parents become self-sufficient through post-secondary education. This is done by providing financial assistance to help pay for tuition, books and/or related living expenses. Scholarship applications are received three times each year and scholarships are awarded for the spring, summer and fall semester. Students attend NWACC, the University of Arkansas, John Brown University and others.

The Gift of Education

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Washington County experienced a record number of applicants for scholarships this year -- 192, to be exact. To help these hard-working moms and dads create brighter futures for their families, the organization is requesting that donors give the gift of education. The fund offers $1,500 scholarships to full-time students and $750 to part-time students. Give as little as $5, or take up a collection in an office or neighborhood to fund a whole scholarship. Online giving is available at www.spsfwc.org.

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