There are only a few days left in the year, all the precious hours that remain to give one last tax-deductible gift to your favorite local nonprofit. Organizations are in need this year, they told us. In the hopes of connecting benevolent readers and some of Northern Santa Barbara County’s nonprofits in need, the Sun’s Wish List returns this year, detailing each organization’s wants. From cash support to items you might have lying around to specific skills you could volunteer, it’s all asked for, and if you’re in the giving mood, the more the merrier.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Maria Valley

Serves Santa Maria Valley communities with youth development, after school programs, activities, and mentorship

for local youth from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. More info: bgcsmv.org.

• Computers.

• Two iPads.

• Four whiteboards.

• Window blinds/shades.

• Bookshelves/storage units.

• Lysol wipes.

• “Wet floor” signs/cones.

• New flooring/installation.

• Push brooms/mops.

• Board games (new).

• Basketballs.

 

 

The Salvation Army Santa Maria Corps

Serves the homeless and low-income families of Santa Maria, Guadalupe, and Orcutt.

Hot lunch program, food pantry, and rental and utility assistance are all available for locals in need.

More info: salvationarmy-socal.org or (805) 349-2421.

• Five laptop computers.

• Two commercial refrigerators.

 

 

Abilities For Kids Inc.

Provides multidisciplinary therapeutic services to all children with neuromuscular disorders or

injuries including physical, occupational, aquatic, acupuncture, and play therapies.

Office location was recently vandalized and burglarized. More info: (805) 925-1107 or abilitiesforkids.org.

• Doors (interior and exterior security doors).

• Window and door glass replacement.

• Six exterior security lights.

• Video security system.

• Redwood fencing (dog ear, 105 feet, with 20 foot rolling gate).

• Dehumidifying exhaust vents for pool.

• Pool lift chair.

• Water damage and mold removal.

• Plumbing and roof repair.

 

 

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County

Serves children in the foster care system in Santa Barbara County with volunteers who advocate for foster youth in court.

CASA volunteers work to assure a safe, permanent, and nurturing home for foster kids,

especially victims of abuse or neglect. More info: sbcasa.org.

• Dedicated volunteers to advocate for every child in the foster system.

 

 

Santa Maria Public Library Foundation

Helps support programs in the Santa Maria Public Library system, including the libraries in

Cuyama, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Orcutt, and Santa Maria. More info: (805) 925-0994 or cityofsantamaria.org.

• Gift cards for Target, Walmart, Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts, and Amazon.

• Cash donations.

 

 

Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library

Supports the Santa Maria Public Library and its programs

with funding from book sales and other donations. More info: (805) 352-1006.

• Sponsors to pay rent for office space.

• Sponsors to pay rent for storage space.

• Two laptop computers.

• Two chairs.

• Volunteer with treasurer-level accounting skills.

 

 

Friends of the Guadalupe Public Library

Supports the Guadalupe Public Library with recreational and literacy programs,

applying for grants, and encouraging membership. More info: (805) 343-1223.

• Books for the Book Nook.

 

 

Rancho de Guadalupe
Historical Society and Museum

Works to preserve the cultural and economic history of the Guadalupe area through the museum at 1005 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

Provides tours of Guadalupe and interpretive exhibits. More info: guadalupemuseum.org.

• Volunteer docents available Saturdays and Sundays.

 

 

American Legion Post No. 371

Veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, mentoring youth, and sponsoring programs in communities that promote national security, honor, and patriotism. Post No. 371 is located in Guadalupe. More info: (805) 343-1223.

• Upright freezer.

 

 

Santa Maria Bici Centro

Advocates for and serves the bike-going community of the Santa Maria Valley, including a do-it-yourself community bike repair shop and youth programs. More info: (805) 623-5763 or ken@sbbike.org.

• Used bicycle parts.

• Bicycle apparel.

 

 

Ian M Hassett Foundation

Dedicated to encouraging and supporting emerging artists in Orcutt and Santa Maria through programs, classes, and grants. Offers an Artist Exchange trailer filled with arts supplies to local students. More info: ianmhassett.com.

• New or gently used art supplies.

• Volunteer truck to haul Artist Exchange trailer.

 

 

Conflict Solutions Center

Committed to developing community-based, non-adversarial responses to conflict and differences that strengthen social harmony

and support individual healing. Provides mediation, problem solving, and consultation. More info: cscsb.org.

• Graphic design skills.

• Cash donations.

• Rent-free meeting space.

• Volunteers with restorative justice or mediation 

  training/interest.

• North County residents interested in serving on board  of directors.

 

 

Transitions-Mental
Health Association (TMHA)

Dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness

through work, housing, and community support. More info: (805) 540-6513.

• Gift cards to FoodMaxx or Foods Co.

• Gift cards to Michaels craft store.

• Coffee (or coffee gift cards).

• Desktop computer.

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, brushes, and combs.

• Shampoo, body wash, laundry soap.

• Beanies, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, socks.

 

 

Growing Grounds
Farm (TMHA)

A Transitions-Mental Health Association work program that helps individuals with mental illness find and maintain employment.

Farm is located at 820 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. More info: t-mha.org.

• Gloves and hats.

• Sunscreen.

• Gardening tools.

 

 

Helping Hands Recovery Learning Community (TMHA)

A Transitions-Mental Health Association program that provides a combination of wellness and recovery-oriented services

in a comfortable, supportive meeting place in Lompoc. More info: t-mha.org.

• Baking sheets.

• Art supplies.

• Home Depot gift card.

• Large coffee pot.

• Printer ink/toner.

 

 

Wildling Museum of Art and Nature

Provides art exhibits inspired by nature, wilderness, and open spaces in hopes of raising awareness of conservation

and preservation efforts. Museum located at 1511 B Mission Drive, Solvang. More info: wildlingmuseum.org.

• Volunteer docents.

• Events committee members.

 

 

Elverhoj Museum of History and Art

Collects, preserves, and exhibits the history and Danish culture of Solvang while also promoting and showing the work

of contemporary artists. Museum located at 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang. More info: elverhoj.org.

• Digital camera (WiFi enabled).

• Flatbed scanner (11-by-17-inch).

 

 

Royal Family KIDS

International network of summer camp clubs and mentoring designed to serve neglected and abused

elementary age youth and foster kids. More info: (805) 264-0731.

• Toys (20 for boys, 20 for girls) for birthday gifts.

• Pool supplies (tote bag, beach towels, pool toys, goggles, 

  sunscreen, and lip balm).

• Archery set for youth.

• Amusement park tickets.

• Lend an ATV one week.

• Cash donations.

 

 

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center

A natural history museum in the heart of Guadalupe, sharing artifacts and exhibits on the unique local ecosystem and history. Also provides educational programing, guided community walks, and field trips. More info: (805)  dunescenter.org or (805) 343-2455

• Laptop computer.

• Portable microphone/speaker system.

• Folding tables.

• E-Z Up/pop-up tent.

• Colored markers, pens, pencils.

• Construction paper, stickers, glue sticks.

• Watercolors, glitter.

• Gardening gloves.

 

 

Lompoc Museum

Provides two floors of exhibits relating local history, from the Chumash to the pioneers to military history.

Open six days a week at 200 S. H St., Lompoc, in the historic Carnegie Library. More info: (805) 736-3888.

• Website design.

• Cash donations for WWI monument.

 

 

Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum

Serves North Santa Barbara County as the only children’s museum, with special events, weekly programs,

and interactive science and arts-based exhibits. More info: smvdiscoverymuseum.org.

• Volunteers for day-to-day tasks.

• Arts and crafts supplies (paper, crayons, pencils, beads, etc.).

• Cash donations.

 

 

Cultural and Creative Arts Center of Santa Maria Valley

A new organization preparing to open a cultural center on March 31, 2019, in Santa Maria to promote

creative expression in performing, visual, and literary arts. More info: (805) 598-5344.

• White paint (15 gallons).

• Black paint (3 gallons).

• Paint roller/brushes.

• Masking tape.

• Basic furniture (couches, coffee table, etc.).

• Logo design/cost.

• Website design/consultation.

 

 

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA)

Serves the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez valleys with live theater produced by full-time conservatory students and teachers.

Is currently in need of items for the conservatory workshop. More info: productionmanager@pcpa.org.

• Hand tools, fixed wrenches, and socket sets.

• Refrigerator.

• Mig welder.

• Forklift.

 

 

American Association of University Women (Lompoc-Vandenberg)

Serves the Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez areas offering advocacy, education, and research.

Current needs are for the upcoming Speech Trek contest for local high schoolers. More info: lompocvandenberg-ca.aauw.net.

• Gift cards for food.

 

 

Freedom Warming Centers

Provides emergency overnight shelter to homeless individuals during extreme weather conditions.

Overnight activations serve around 50 per night. More info: alopezfwc@gmail.com.

• Rain ponchos.

• Lightweight tarps.

• Knit caps/scarves.

• Hair brushes.

• Small hand sanitizer bottles.

 

 

Family Service Agency / Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center

Serves local families in need with mental health counseling, youth substance abuse treatment, and basic needs support.

More info: (805) 965-1001, Ext. 267.

• Volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

• Volunteers for ombudsman program.

• Cash donations.

 

 

Central Coast Alliance United
for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE)

Focuses on education and equity for working families through progressive voting power and advocacy for immigrant rights, integration, public transportation, tax reform, and environmental justice. More info: causenow.org.

• Five-gallon water dispenser.

• Large coffee maker/urn.

• Flipcharts/easel.

• Felt tip markers.

• Cash donations.

 

 

Planned Parenthood California Central Coast

Provides reproductive health access to nearly 6,000 patients annually and serves 400 each year with sex education services.

The organization promotes individuals’ ability to make informed decisions and build healthy families,

plus gives access to education and advocacy. More info: ppcentralcoast.org.

• Uber or Lyft gift cards.

• Gift cards ($5 for groceries, coffee, or gas).

 

 

Pacific Pride Foundation

Serves the LGBTQ-plus community at locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria with HIV and hepatitis C tests,

a needle exchange, and support services. More info: pacificpridefoundation.org.

• Volunteer to assist with health and prevention programs.

• Gas for health utility vehicle.

• Arts supplies for youth group.

 

 

House of Pride and Equality (HOPE)

Is a bilingual grassroots nonprofit that creates awareness and visibility

for the Latinx LGBTQ-plus community of Santa Maria.

More info: houseofprideandequality.org or (805) 316-1356.

• Office space.

• Office supplies.

• Volunteers.

• Sponsors for Pride 2019.

• Storage space.

• Computer.

• Printing services.

• Screen projector.

• Generator.

• Small PA system.

• Popcorn dispenser.

• Ladder.

 

 

CAPSLO Liberty Tattoo Removal

Provides removal of gang or antisocial tattoos in the Santa Maria Valley, at local high schools,

and a reproductive health care clinic at Allan Hancock College. More info: (805) 544-2489, Ext. 11.

• Cash donations to support tattoo removal for non-parolees. 

 

 

SOAAR Foundation

The Supporting Orcutt Academy’s Academic Resources (SOAAR) Foundation raises funds for academic programs,

college preparation, and scholarships for Orcutt Academy students. More info: (805) 938-8934 or jdana@orcutt-schools.net.

• Cash donations.

 

 

People’s Self-Help Housing

Offers supportive housing and educational programs to low-income families and individuals throughout

Northern Santa Barbara County. Serves working families, farmworkers, seniors, and veterans. More info: pshhc.org.

• Cash donations.

 

 

Partners in Housing Solutions (PHS)

Helps homeless families and veterans secure permanent housing through a network of private landlords. Has housed 240 homeless individuals from North Santa Barbara County since 2015. More info: partnersinhousingsolutions.org.

• Cash donations.

 

Contact Managing Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.

This article appears in Dec 20-27, 2018.

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