herald-mail.com

Sometimes money seems so impersonal, but you still want give.

It was with that simple basis that the Nonprofit Holiday Wish List was started.

The way it works is easy: Nonprofit organizations submit a listing of tangible items other than money that will help in each of the organizations' missions.

Last year, 80 nonprofits participated, with many of the organizations receiving something from their list.

In January, we revisited some of these area organizations to tell us what they received from the nonprofit wish list.

Here are a few highlights from last year:

• Children's Resources Inc. in Hagerstown received fishing poles, fishing gear and school supplies such as pencils, colored pencils and notebooks.
• One Hope Ministries with Bags of Love Program in Martinsburg, W.Va., received two bags of toys as a result of the list.
• Friends for Life based in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., received a donation of toys.

• Girls Inc. in Hagerstown received some books and toys.
• Oak Hill House & School in Hagerstown received two TVs, a microwave, a VCR, a box of VHS tapes and a table.
• Contemporary School of the Arts & Gallery Inc. received paints and high-end markers to help its after-school programs
• Washington County Family Center in Hagerstown received dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesauruses, markers, glue sticks, diapers and baby  wipes.
• Holly Place in Hagerstown received cleaning items and paper products.
• Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle received a ladder, platform ladder, an assortment of used hand tools, a small cash donation and "a fair amount of inquiry to volunteer."

And sometimes, a check was written to help pay for items on the list. For instance, Windy Rock Equine Rescue Inc. in Clear Spring  organization received a $1,500 check that was used to purchase two hay huts.

Nonprofits have until noon Monday, Nov. 26, to submit lists. Holiday nonprofit wish lists will only be accepted online at www.herald-mail.com. The form can be found in the front menu in the Hot Topics yellow bar. Or click on Lifestyle to find Nonprofit Wish List.

The list will be published on Sunday, Dec. 2, and then it will be the community's turn to pick an item or organization and give from the heart.

For more information, contact Lifestyle editor Crystal Schelle at 301-791-7136 or email crystal.schelle@herald-mail.com.



To submit a wish list

To submit a Nonprofit Wish List, go to www.herald-mail.com. The form can be found in the front menu in the Hot Topics yellow bar. Or click on Lifestyle to find Nonprofit Wish List.