Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

Here is the wish list to MARC East:

Thank you for your support!!!

Babies & Beyond is a nonprofit organization that has proudly served families for over 40 years.
Each month, we support 1,200 children across Dane County and beyond, providing more than 50,000 diapers along with essential items for babies and children up to age 5.

HOLIDAY  GIVEAWAY - DONATIONS NEEDED!

Our annual Holiday Giveaway is on December 14, and we are collecting new gifts for families.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS

ONGOING NEEDS

We always welcome volunteers, monetary donations and gently used baby/toddler items, as demand continues to grow..

DONATION DROP OFF

1922 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI
Mon 12-3pm, Tues 11am-7pm, Wed 9am-12pm, Thurs 9am-3pm, Sat 9am -12pm

Questions?

Sophia Gundlach ( volunteer & Donations Coordinator
volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org
608 222-0008 ext. 2

Here is the list for MARC Stoughton:

Motion Bubbler Sensory Toys

Therapy Sensory Brushes

Sensory Fidget Bracelet

Moving Sand Art

Meditation White Noise Sound Machine

Sent Infused Grounding Stones

Weighted Lap Blanket

Ocean Light Projector

Breathing Ball Visual Mediation

Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere

Cordless Back Massager

Galaxy Projector

Push Peel Sensory Activity Board

Sensory Stones

Weighted Hug ball

Lavendar Scented Stress Balls

Thank you to our supporters!

Help Habitat for Humanity with coverage of the ReStore Donation Hotline! The ReStore Donation Hotline schedules free pick-ups for donations of furniture, appliances, and other home improvement items, as well as answering incoming questions about donating.

Donation Hotline Representatives make the ReStore a place donors want to come back and donate to. They maintain high customer satisfaction with their exceptional problem-solving and conversational skills.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Commitment

Training: New volunteers receive on-the-job training with Donations staff

Sign up for a shift by visiting https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com and look for any shifts titled "ReStore Donation Hotline Coverage."

We are in need of some supplies to keep children active and engaged in the outdoors all winter long! Items are linked below and can be purchased from any retailer as long as it is the exact item (unless otherwise noted).

Items can be dropped off or shipped to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center at 330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716. Thank you for your support in keeping kids engaged with nature!

Bucket of Scat

Bubble Solution (any large bottle of non toxic bubble solution works) 

Construction Paper (any 9"x12" construction paper works)

Sidewalk Chalk (any large sidewalk chalk works)

Magnifier Loupes

Sensory Chew Necklaces

Children's Snow Suits (Size 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, and 12/13 in colors yellow or navy)

Stonz Mittens (sizes 5/6 or 7+ in colors black or gray)

Supply Wagons for Educators

Sunprint Kits

At WayForward Resources, we rely on the little things that make a big difference. This holiday season, we’re asking for in-kind donations of Ziploc bags to help us sort and distribute essential items like diapers and menstrual products.

We go through them quickly, so all sizes and brands are welcome. Your donation will directly support our day-to-day operations and help us continue providing vital resources to those in need.

But wait! There's another bag need: 13 gallon trash bags or 20x10x26 plastic shopping bags would be oh, so helpful for our Clothing Center guests. 

Thank you for helping us make a difference, one bag at a time!

Donations can be dropped off at WayForward Monday through Friday between 9am and 4:30pm.

Looking to give back this holiday season? Donate a gift to Toys for Tots! We’re looking for new, unwrapped toys for children ages 14 and younger. We recommend spending $35 or less per toy. Gifts are especially needed for children ages 9 -14 years old. Prefer to shop from the comfort of your couch? Order the hottest toys of the season from our Amazon Wishlist and your items will be shipped directly to United Way!

You can also drop off items at United Way or click here for other drop off locations.

Deadline to donate is Friday, December 19, 2025.

MARC South's wish list for the holidays is as follows:

* Bean bag chair

* Weighted blanket

* Spice rack for nail polish

* 2-3 nail polish cadies

* Tattoo markers

* Nail files

* Nail polish remover

* 35 little bins (for client’s nail accessories)

* Nail art

* Nail polish

* Cotton balls

*Micro phones and machine

*Glow in the dark stars for the ceiling

*Restaurant gift cards

*Decaf coffee

*Hot chocolate

*Puzzles

*Paint

*Paint brushes

*Markers

*Fidgets

*Seasonal Bingo

*Construction paper (pastel colors)

* Pretend cell phone

*Kids CD player for music

*Kids small keyboard

*Movie gift cards

Thank you for your support!

MARC Mt. Horeb Holiday Wish List

Thank you for your support!

RES would like the following items:

Holiday craft kits – All seasons needed

Colored paper – all sizes

Fidget Toys

Bingo Prizes

Movie Ticket Passes

Holiday Décor for all holidays

Tablecloths for various seasons’

Floor Rug and the glue to hold it down’

Board games like Connect 4

Memory games of various kinds

Puzzles – large pieces with no more than 100 pieces

Modeling clay

Glue

Current DVD’s

Cleaning supplies, Dawn, Laundry soap, 13 gallon garbage bags

Decaf Coffee

Tea bags various flavors

Sugar free Hot Choc

Color books

Word Finds

Sensory Light Covers

Googly Wiggly eyes for art projects- all sizes and colors

Canvas to paint on- various sizes

Thank you to our supporters!

Want to have a fun time while supporting an important cause? Volunteer with the Habitat ReStore!

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, building materials and appliances at a fraction of the retail price. Our ReStores have diverted 12,000 tons of building materials from Dane County’s landfills, and we need help processing all of the donations.

Volunteers are needed to:

Position Requirements:

Shifts are available 9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays. 

Volunteers receive 10% off ReStore purchases!

Individuals can visit https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com to register and sign-up.

Groups can contact volunteer@habitatdane.org to reserve a shift.

At Madison Birthday Boost, our mission is to make sure every child in Madison feels celebrated on their special day, no matter their family’s circumstances. Each birthday box we create includes everything needed for a joyful celebration, including decorations, games, gifts, and party supplies, all delivered with care to families through local social workers.

The holidays are one of our busiest times of the year. Many families already stretched thin by seasonal expenses struggle to provide birthday celebrations for their children. You can help by donating items to fill our supply closets so we can continue spreading joy all season long.

We’re currently in need of:

Party games or activities (for the birthday child and 6 guests)

Decorations (balloons, streamers, tape, ribbon)

Party favors (sets of 6)

Gifts for kids (toys, art sets, sports equipment, etc.)

Rolls of wrapping paper

Find more specific ideas on our Amazon wishlist

We serve children ages 1 to 12. Donations can be mailed or dropped off anytime at either of our two Madison locations:
3506 Country Grove Dr. or 6229 Dominion Dr., Madison, WI 53718.

Your generosity helps bring smiles, confidence, and a sense of belonging to kids who need it most. Thank you for being part of the celebration!

This holiday season, we’re assembling Family Support Kits to help local families meet their everyday needs. Many of us take things like laundry detergent, toothpaste, and cleaning supplies for granted, but these items can make an enormous difference for a family working hard to make ends meet. If you’re able, we invite you to sign up to donate one or more items from the list. Every contribution, big or small, helps lighten someone’s load and shows our community that we care about one another. Thank you for helping us spread comfort and dignity this season.

Click below to purchase items, and ship them to our office at 2059 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI, 53704

https://a.co/1m2iyzM

Want to be part of making holiday magic for families in need? Help out by volunteering for a Toys for Tots shift with United Way of Dane County. 

Upon arriving for your shift, drive up to the gate and press the call box, letting whoever answers know you are there for a Toys for Tots shift, and they will direct you where to go.

November dates: Lunch will NOT be provided

December dates: Lunch WILL be provided

Donate your new garden or work gloves, and hand tools (shears, clippers, bow saws) for ourdoor conservancy work! We will use them to inspire the next generation of nature lovers. They will be added to our lendable kits or given to our interns at the start of the work year. New items, may be used for our community give-aways. Please no used gloves or tools.

You will be helping our K-12 Environmental Education efforts, our annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon and our Wayfarer trips for new naturalists.

Please call or email to set up drop off time. Ben Strand, 608-921-2391, ben.strand@wisconservation.org

We are growing! More people want to receive your print communications. We are hoping to purchase a $4,500 (estimate) new machine to help us fold, insert, and distribute our flyers, brochures, and mailings. Your help will greatly improve our ability to quickly reach our growing network. Having this pledge for the 2026 calendar year would greatly help us plan for our 40th Anniversary in 2026!

You will be helping our K-12 Environmental Education efforts, our annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon and our Wayfarer trips for new naturalists. Call or email to set up drop off time. Ben Strand, 608-921-2391, ben.strand@wisconservation.org

Happy ensure that our teens have a joyous holiday season, too, by donating presents to our Teen Holiday Party! Gift requests include: wireless headphones, beauty items (soap, lotion, body spray), board games, and gift cards to Kwik Trip, wings restaurants, and The Thrill Factory. Items can be dropped off Monday-Friday 9am-5pm until December 22nd. 

Help keep our Front Office stocked and running through the holiday season with donations of: pens, colored printing paper, staplers, post-it notes, and computer mouses. 

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County is looking for volunteers to help at our Sun Prairie construction site, building affordable housing! No prior experience is needed - all the tools and training are available on site. Opportunities are available Thursdays-Saturdays from 8:15am-3:30pm.

Volunteers must be 18 or older; flexible and willing to be trained; and comfortable standing/working for the duration of the full shift. 

Please visit our VolunteerHub website to view current construction volunteer opportunities and sign up today: https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com. You will be able to view all construction opportunities throughout Dane County along with ReStore opportunities. For additional information, contact volunteer@habitatdane.org or call Julie at 608-620-4922.

Help brighten the season for young people in our community! Your donations from our Holiday Wish List provide essential items and special gifts for youth served through Briarpatch programs. Every contribution—big or small—helps make the holidays a little warmer and more hopeful.

TOYS                  

Diverse Babydolls

Fold up Dollhouse

Diverse Figurines for Dollhouse

Storage for Dollhouse and other Toys 

Bin Buckets

Toy Car Set

Toy Planes 

Tool Set

Travel Sand Tray Set

Doctor Set

Toy Treasure Chest

Toy Bugs and Animals

Capes

People Puppets

Superhero Figurines

Army Men

Finger Puppets

Food Kitchen Set

GAMES

Uno

Jenga

Mindful Conversation Cards

BOOKS

A Terrible Thing Happened

Invisible String

ART

Paint By Number

Scratch Art

Poster Board

A Dozen Different Sized Canvas Boards

Fabric Crayons and Black T-Shirts

SENSORY/PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL

Marble Maze Sensory Mats (Click on to follow link)

Spot of Feelings Set

FURNITURE

Lawn Chairs ( 6 chairs with solid colors:  yellow, purple, blue, red, green, orange)

Small Round Table with Adjustable Legs (34 inches in diameter preferred no bigger than 38-40 inches in diameter)

OTHER

Gift cards for our clients and support groups for the following:

Haircuts

Movies

Restaurants and Take-Out

Grocery Stores

Gas

YWCA MADISON - MOST NEEDED ITEMS: 

Every day, YWCA Madison provides a safe and stable home for more than 100 women and families at our downtown location, and supports many more individuals and families living throughout the greater Madison community. The people we serve are often facing significant barriers such as homelessness, poverty, and systemic inequities.

Your support makes an immediate and lasting difference. By donating essential items, you help ensure that every resident and program participant has access to the basic necessities that provide dignity, stability, and hope. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more equitable community for everyone.

Below are links to our Wishlist of our most urgently needed items:

Amazon Wishlist items can be delivered directly to our downtown location at 101 E Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703. To drop off a donation in-person, please set up a drop-off time with the front desk at 101 East Mifflin Street by calling 608-257-1436 option 2.

Help WayForward Resources spread holiday cheer with a delicious twist by creating a baking basket full of essentials for local families!

Put together a basket or box of shelf-stable and non perishable essentials for holiday baking to donate to our food pantry. All baskets should contain: flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Consider personalizing your baking basket with a new, special add-on or two such as: decorating sugar or sprinkles, spices like cinnamon, cocoa powder, baking mixes, canned frosting, packets of instant yeast, cookie cutters, oven mitts, spatula, a cookie sheet, or a rolling pin. Have fun and make it festive!

Drop items off items at the WayForward Distribution Center (at the back of the parking lot), 3502 Parmenter Street, from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12, during the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Want more information? Contact Community Engagement Manager Jill Bradshaw, jill@wayforwardresources.org.

Volunteers are needed to unpack and inventory supplies from our Fall 2025 season of Girls on the Run. The supplies were used by our coaches to facilitate lessons and deliver GOTR programming at over 70 locations.

Our organization needs support in unpacking coach bins and first aid kits, removing/discarding used items, and taking detailed inventory of remaining supplies that can be repurposed for the following season. 

If interested in helping with this project, please contact Julia.miller@girlsontherun.org or call 608-831-4687.

Girls on the Run has a great use for supplies to deliver our program each season. Our supplies provide a high-quality, safe, and fun program experience that is sure to inspire, motivate, and empower the kids we serve. Commonly needed items include, markers (washable), pens, sidewalk chalk, poster board, stickers, pipe cleaners, pony beads, index cards, zip lock plastic bags, and more. For a full list, visit our Amazon Wish List.

Computer Paper

Fax Toner - HP 26x Laser Jet

Lexmark C2326 Toner - Black, Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow

Change a life through literacy. For more than 50 years, Literacy Network has helped thousands of adults in Dane County build English and literacy skills to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. You can help make learning possible by donating:

Your gift supports over 1,550 adult learners working toward a brighter future. Thank you for making a difference!

We would greatly appreciate donations of Cedar Chips from Menards for our gardens.  Here is link to make it easy for you to find just what we need.  https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/mulch/cedar-chips-2-0-cu-ft/1803008/p-1444444230769-c-1539779646023.htm

Our veggie garden feeds our residents, staff, volunteers, and through donation, the community!  We will greatly appreciate donations of the following items to support the growth of our vegetable garden:  

25 (or any) sturdy tomato cages
2 containers liquid garden fertilizer - any general, all purpose versions.
6 Bags of seed starting soil
All sizes seed starting containers/trays w clear humidity lids.
Plastic Plant markers

Crafts and art activities are a vital part of community.  We will greatly benefit from donations of the following items to keep the creativity flowing:  multi colored construction paper and cardstock, double sided tape, watercolor sets (here is a link to watercolor sets)

Monthly potlucks are a favorite community event.  All are invited!  Parties are essential to nurturing the soul and celebrating life.  We go through a lot of party supplies so if you are able, donations of the following items will keep the parties well stocked:  

small plastic cups
small and dinner sized paper plates
paper or plastic bowls
plastic forks

As the need grows in our community, more and more individuals are utilizing our services here at The Beacon Day Homeless Resource Center!  A great way to help us support our mission of helping the unhoused community is to donate your time or make an in-kind donation! 

We are currently asking for the following:

You can access our Wishlist here!

Beacon Wish List

Learn by doing! Freewheel's mission is bicycle education and transportation justice. We teach the community bicycle repair skills. Drop in at any open shop and learn how to fix your bike, or work on donated bikes. Visit www.freewheelbikes.org to view the current shop schedule. 

Freewheel is always accepting donations! We gratefully welcome donations of bikes, parts, and accessories in any condition, and may be able to pickup your donation in the Madison area.

Leave a voicemail or text (608) 698-9205 or email info@freewheelbikes.org

Help us make everyone's holiday better with a donation of new or gently used toys, books, and games. We can also use lots of clothing for adults and children in all sizes. Books in Spanish are particularly needed. 

Other urgent needs include: 

Donations can be dropped off at Extended hands Pantry at 6402 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI 53711. Hours are on Monday and Tuesday from noon to 6pm, and on Friday from 9am to 1pm. Other times available by appointment, or we can pick up.