Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Wish list helps nonprofits serve clients better

While children scribble lists of presents they wish Santa Claus would bring them, the Los Gatos Community Services Commission keeps a different kind of list--items that nonprofit agencies need.

While youngsters have their parents to make their wishes come true, the nonprofit agencies that serve Los Gatos have the commissioners to compile their wish list and circulate it to individuals and companies that might be able to help.

The Community Services Commission exists to help local and South Bay nonprofits network, obtain funds (often through grants), secure donations and keep functioning in an efficient way.

"This wish list is one way the town can support the social-service providers that deliver services in Los Gatos," explains commissioner Michele Moretti.

"By publicizing wishes, our goal is to have businesses and individuals donate items no longer in use or new items to the organization in need of that item."

Wishes are not limited to the current wish list, which is available by calling the town's Community Services Department at 354-6820; nonprofits contact the town throughout the year to update their needs.

There are 18 organizations with wishes on the current list. Some of the wishes include books, carpentry work and a Ping-Pong table for A Place for Teens; a TV and VCR for the Art Docents of Los Gatos; laptop computers, art supplies and passes to amusement parks and museums for Eastfield Ming Quong; bingo prizes and a toaster oven for Live Oak Adult Day Services; a file cabinet and microwave for St. Luke's Pantry; a garbage disposal and wall air conditioner for Live Oak Senior Nutrition Services; bookshelves for the Teen Counseling Center; and canoe paddles, a laminating machine and a gardener for the Youth Science Institute.

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