Season of giving:Nonprofits seek donations for those in need

By JOAN HAINES For the Chronicle

Fortune can be so fickle, and no one knows that better than Greg Mortenson and Ross Bellingham.

Mortenson and his Central Asia Institute have been on the receiving end of good fortune this year, after an April cover story in Parade magazine prompted a steady stream of donations.

"As a result of the Parade magazine article, we received more than 10,000 letters and over $600,000," said Mortenson, director of the Bozeman-based nonprofit.

In all, the institute raised more than $1 million in 2003, which will be used to help build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Bellingham's year has been more of a struggle. The nation's economic downturn has meant that major gifts are off about 50 percent, he said.

"Our disaster fund is essentially depleted, locally and nationally," said Bellingham, executive director of the Five Rivers District of the Red Cross. "We've had to cut back on types of disaster relief for the victims."

During this past summer's wildfire season, the Five Rivers chapter sheltered and fed more than 150 people in Big Timber. But many of those evacuated in the area had to sleep on a shelter floor because the Red Cross didn't have enough blankets and cots to give them.

"We're down on the basic things we do need for people," he said. "We're not prepared to deal with fires next year as thoroughly as we should."

Nonprofits throughout the community -- and there are dozens of them -- are heavily dependent on donations made during the holiday season. The money that comes in at this time of year can make or break the programs that run all year long.

Here is a selection of area nonprofits, their needs this year and contact information:

-- This year, organizers of the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program hope to surpass last year's figure of 3,700 children served.

"More people are registered (to receive gifts) now than last year," said Bob Metcalf, volunteer coordinator.

Funding comes primarily from the community, although the Marine Corps' national foundation donates $3,000 to the local cause.

For those interested in donating, Metcalf said the program particularly needs new toys for newborn to 1-year-olds, and 12- to 18-year-olds. Used toys, particularly large ones such as bikes or sleds, are welcome, too.

"There are a lot of kids out there who don't get anything, and getting something used is better than nothing," Metcalf said.

Dropoff locations include Wal-Mart, Kmart, Costco, Hastings, the Gallatin Valley Mall, the MSU ticket office, Holy Rosary Church and Lee and Dad's IGA in Belgrade.

Toys will be distributed Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. People who need toys for their youngsters can call 587-2286 and leave information on the answering machine.

-- The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells in front of Bozeman businesses and the U.S. Post Office, said Capt. Rich Pease. Bell-ringing stints run for two to three hours at a time.

But if bell-ringing isn't for you, "We're looking for people who want to buy gifts for a family and provide supplies for a Christmas meal," Pease said.

Donations of unwrapped gifts for children 16 and under and seniors 60 and over can be left at the Angel Tree at the Gallatin Valley Mall.

To donate gifts, money or bell-ringing time, call Tammy or Nancy at 586-5813.

-- The Gallatin Valley Food Bank receives 78 percent of its annual budget from the local community, said director Heather Grenier.

The food bank always needs canned goods, such as stews, fruits and vegetables.

People can drop off donations at the food bank, 602 Bond St., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; or at drop-off bins at the Community Food Co-op, Heeb's East Main Grocery or Lee and Dad's IGA in Belgrade.

-- Pets also are in need of a boost during the holiday season. The Humane Society of the Gallatin Valley can always use canned cat and dog food, said Becky Burns, receptionist. Also on the society's wish list are dog biscuits, rawhide chews, paper towels, cat and dog toys, cat litter and powdered laundry soap.

-- Big Brothers and Sisters needs big brother volunteers, said Colleen Schwanke, executive director.

The program has 430 active matches (a match is an adult and a child) in Gallatin County and 59 children on the waiting list.

"Bigs" are volunteers who befriend a child while doing a variety of activities, such as helping with homework, decorating for Christmas, playing video games or fishing.

Donations are also welcome, and can be sent to 15 S. Eighth Ave., Bozeman 59715.

-- The Network Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse runs the shelter for domestic violence victims.

The agency needs grocery, phone or gas cards for clients, as well as money to help pay for legal advocacy, prescriptions, fresh fruits, special baby foods, child care and shelter utilities, said Charney Gonnerman, executive director.

Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 752, Bozeman 59771. The office number is 586-7689 and the emergency number is 586-4111.

-- Eagle Mount provides therapeutic recreation for people of all ages with physical or developmental disabilities. It has established camps for children with cancer.

The group's wish list includes hand warmers, batteries, sunglasses, ski socks and children's mittens. In addition, volunteers are needed for the downhill and cross-country skiing programs and the snowshoeing program, said Linda Griffith, executive director. Donations also are appreciated. They can be sent to 6901 Goldenstein Lane, Bozeman 59715 or call 586-1781.

-- The Sacred Portion Children's Outreach works to provide homes for needy children of the world without homes or families. Funds to help this project can be sent to 7104 Bristol Lane, Bozeman 59715. Jan and Craig Druckenmiller are the group's founders.

-- The Gallatin Community Clinic needs money to help pay for dental and mental health care and prescription drugs, said Buck Taylor, clinic director. The clinic provides health care for uninsured and underinsured clients. You can send donations to 214 E. Mendenhall, Bozeman 59715.

-- Reach Inc. helps adults with mental disabilities live in group homes and work in the community. Reach clients live in four group homes and two apartment buildings, and many rent from private landlords, said Rob Tallon, executive director. The agency has placed 94 clients in jobs, some in its own work center and some in the community.

This year's big focus is a capital building fund drive, to raise money to construct a new work center, Tallon said. The agency is $70,000 away from its $300,000 goal.

People wanting to contribute to the work center fund should send checks to 2134 Industrial Ave., Bozeman 59715.

-- Love INC (In the Name of Christ) connects people in need with volunteers from 35 local churches. People have provided those in need with computers, used cars and home repairs. The organization needs volunteers in the office, stamps and paper, said Nancy Van Dyken, executive director.

-- The Help Center sponsors a 24-hour crisis line, a suicide hotline, a sexual assault counseling center and a tele-care program that makes calls to house-bound seniors.

The Sack's thrift store at 138 W. Mendenhall St. provides more than half of the center's income, said Wendy Visscher, director since 1975. Money also comes from United Way and from individual donations.

Donations can be sent to the center at 421 E. Peach St., Bozeman 59715.

-- The Central Asia Institute is seeking more funds to help build more schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 7209, Bozeman 59771. Children across America also have been contributing to the organization's Pennies for Peace project. Interested people can contact the office at 585-7841 or online at www.penniesforpeace.org.

-- People wanting to contribute to the Five Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross can send checks to 300 N. Willson, Suite 105A, Bozeman 59715. All the money will stay in the local chapter's coffers if you write "Five Rivers District" in the check's memo line.

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