TESSA Wishlist

TESSA is an organization in Colorado Springs that helps victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse stay safe and get the help they need. Many of the items on their wishlist are normal household items that can be donated as long as they are "gently" used! Since, many of my sheets and blankets are more than gently used,  I was thinking of going by the ARC and buying some of their sheets and comforters, then donating them. By doing this, I have helped two extraordinary places with one act!  (Both lists copied from TESSA website)

• Waterproof mattress covers: double and twin sized
• Waterproof pillow protectors for standard pillows
• New Bed pillows.
• New or gently used and matching sets of double and twin bed sheets (flannel for winter would be nice too). 
• New or gently used double and twin sized quilts/comforters
• New or gently used “kid-friendly” sheets and comforters.
• New or gently used bath towels/sheets and wash clothes.  Actually towels are always needed but bath towels are in need right now.
• Plastic stepstools with rubber traction for allowing children to reach bathroom sink to wash hands and brush teeth (4 needed).
• Night-lights to help kiddos/and ladies feel “safe” in their new room
• Nursery-type rocking chairs padded for snuggling kiddos at night.
• Clock radios (with CD players to help kiddos listen to stories at night).
• Twin-sized air mattresses for multiple children we might not have beds for in the room.
• Portable clothing racks (especially when ladies are sharing a room).
• Small baskets/bins with handles to use to hold soaps, shampoos, toothbrush/paste to put in rooms for new residents.
• Toys for preschoolers/elementary and pre-teens (dolls with doll clothes, doll-houses, race cars and tracks, books (especially toddler books and teen books) building sets for older kids, beading sets, modeling sets, educational computer games, children’s DVD movies).
• Folding chairs and tables for over-flow of people eating dinner at the same time (children’s dining tables and chairs or Little Tykes picnic tables would be great too).
• Comfy and cozy kid’s chairs for play area- beanbags, big pillows, kid-sized chairs and tables/desks. 

Also : Tessa is looking for snacks to feed the children in the program. They are asking for:

• Granola Bars
• Peanut Butter Crackers
• Cheese Crackers
• Fruit Roll Ups 

TCRAS Wish List

The Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) is a non-profit, no-kill shelter located in Divide, CO.  They have a very small facility and are always looking for furever homes for pets.  If you aren't looking for a pet right now, you might consider donating extra or free items to them.   I am a huge fan of them because Bruce, our 130 pound yellow lab, realized the electric fence was broken one day.  I called them and the Animal Control officer was in the area.  She drove around and looked and was just going to drop him off at home if she found him.  A caring citizen found him instead and hauled him up to TCRAS who then called me and I went to get him.  He was only there about 20 minutes and I was dreading the $65 "bail" I was going to have to pay.  Since he was there so short a time, they didn't charge me anything!  I thought that was extremely generous, so I vowed I would be as generous and donate some items.  Here is a wish list they emailed to me.  If you have anything you would like to donate but don't want to make the drive, please let me know.  I'm often in the Springs, we can meet up and I can drop your donation off for you.


Laundry soap

Shredder (heavy duty)

Storage cabinets w/drawers

Rubber gloves, medical gloves

Telephone Headsets – cordless

Copy paper

AA, AAA, 9 volt batteries

Paper Cutter

Paint brushes & rollers

Cartridges – HP Laser Jet P1006

Cartridges – Brother MFC6490CW

Tarps for covers for kennels

Shade Nets to cover outside runs

Brooms, mop, long handle scrub brush

Paper towels and/or toilet paper

Clumping cat litter

Trash bags (13 & 45 gls)

Buckets – hanging style stainless

White boards

Collars w/buckles – small & medium

Leashes – 6’ nylon/leather & slip style

Pea gravel – loads for kennels

Treats for dogs/cats, pig/cow ears

Gas grill

Gift cards to: Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowe’s

Ronald McDonald House Wish List

The Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado Springs is asking for a few much-needed donations. As I was going through their list, I realized that several of their requests are items that I get through free samples and items that I see on sale in the grocery ads, almost weekly! How easy would it be to buy that BOGO item with a coupon, and donate the extra one? Or that ever growing pile of samples that I haven't put to good use yet, why not donate them? Below is their wish list as it appears on their website as of today 9/2/10. An (*) means it is really in need!
*Bagels
*Cookie Mixes
Sandwiches (packaged)
Individual serving drink boxes
*Cereal - Individual boxes (serving size only)
*Paper Towels
*Clorox Wipes
*Fruit cups; Fruit snacks
Muffins
*Packaged Meals (single serve, ex. Cup-of-Noodles, Easy Mac, etc.)
*Pot pies, pizzas, burritos, etc. - single serving size
Shaving cream (SAMPLE SIZE)
*Pledge "Grab It" cloths
*Raisins, baby carrots, etc.
Fresh Fruit
Trail Mix - in individual bags (Ziploc bags)
*Air Fresheners - NOT electric
* Prepaid Phone Cards (30 minute)
****Postage Stamps !!! (28 cent - 44 cent)
* Lowe's or Home Depot Gift Certificate Cards
* Office Depot Gift Certificate Cards
Seasonal Colored Paper 20# full reams
***Copy Paper (Letter Size 8 1/2 x 11)

Donation Ideas

Cutting coupons and requesting free samples are a great way to save, but they are also a great way to donate! Several organizations around town have posted wish lists on their websites in order to fill their growing needs. The Dealin' Divas can make a huge difference by donating extra sale items or free samples to these organizations. At each meeting we will set out boxes for each wish list. If you are interested in contributing, we will be happy to deliver the items to the individual organizations! Sharing the wealth of great deals and free samples is just another way to spread the joy of saving!