Lend a hand to these central Illinois organizations this holiday season. Check Illinois Times next week for more local wish lists. Send lists to [email protected]

Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery

Started in 1989 with a mission to prevent child abuse and neglect, the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery provides free emergency, temporary care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for children from birth through age 6, who may be at risk of abuse or neglect or whose parents are experiencing some type of crisis. In addition to crisis care, the nursery offers continuing support to families, in-home visits, crisis counseling, parenting classes, and referrals to other agencies.

Wish List:

• Diapers
• Laundry detergent
• Baby wipes
• Children’s shampoo
• Children’s conditioner
• Trash Bags
• Lysol
• Lawn bags
• Volunteers for the Children’s Holiday Store

Catholic Charities of Springfield

800 S. 5th St., 523-9201

Formed in 1925, Catholic Charities of Springfield serves thousands of individuals and families each year through eight programs: St. John’s Breadline, Crisis Assistance and Advocacy, MedAssist Program, Holy Family Food Pantry, St. Clare’s Health Clinic, Adoption Services, Foster Care and the Intact Family program.

Wish list:

• Monetary support to cover general operating costs
• Chest freezer for the pantry
• Turkeys for Thanksgiving baskets
• Emergency medication (financial contributions to help cover medications for those in need)
• New phone system for the crisis office and Pantry, cost around $4,000
• Carpet and padding for two foster care, parent/child visiting rooms
• Toothbrushes for preschool, school age and adults – St. Clare’s Health Clinic
• Sample toothpastes (for children under age 6) – St. Clare’s Health Clinic
• AT 555auto non-contact tonometer and table and hand-held tono-penavia for St. Clare’s vision program, cost $11,000
• Dental chair with mounted light for St. Clare’s Health Clinic
• Vacuum for St. John’s Breadline
• New clothes washer for St. John’s Breadline