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Wish lists filled with dreams of unrestricted funds, canned food and a pickup truck

The season of thanksgiving and gift giving has arrived. We checked in with several DeKalb charitable organizations to find out what they are giving thanks for in 2011 and what’s ahead for next year. We also inquired about what is on their wish list from those wanting to support their philanthropic efforts.

Jayne Watson, interim executive director of Habitat for Humanity DeKalb

What are they thankful for this year?

“All the community support we have received around our primary mission of building affordable housing.”

She cited the support of two new fundraisers—Playhouse Build, in which 10 groups built playhouses that were then sold, raising some $15,000, and the Golden Hammer Awards, which 150 people attended and garnered $10,000.

Watson specifically thanked Zurich Insurance, Lowe’s, Shallowford Presbyterian Church, Tucker High School and the Tucker community. She also said Habitat for Humanity DeKalb is appreciative of the generosity of First Baptist Church of Tucker, which provided them with a new home that they moved into several weeks ago.

2011 a “transitional” year

Watson noted that midway through the year the organization made a change in leadership and a search remains under way for a new executive director. That transition resulted in a slowdown in operations as only two homes were completed this year, compared to nine houses in 2009. Watson said the organization projects to build/renovate five homes this year.

“It was a challenging year,” said Watson.

She added that economic downturn has affected both the number of donors and the amounts of their donations.

What’s on your wish list?

On the top of Habitat for Humanity DeKalb’s wish list is a pickup truck, additional sponsors, volunteers and cash donations.

“Specifically what we do in DeKalb is address the needs of DeKalb County,” she said. “Right now…part of it is to absorb blighted and abandoned properties that destabilize neighborhood and rehabilitate the houses, getting families in there as permanent homeowners.

“We build one or two [from the] foundation up. We focus on existing inventory.

“The marketplace does not need new construction. Housing needs to be rehabilitated.

“We enjoy when we can bring the community together, bring a church and a business and a school and various volunteers together in our DeKalb community.”

Debra Furtado, chief executive officer, and Sally Eggleston, chief marketing officer, both with Senior Connections

What are they thankful for this year?

“Our supporters, and they come in all shapes, sizes and types.  Our volunteers—we couldn’t do what we do every day without them.  Our donors—from the $25 senior citizen helping out on a fixed income to our presenting sponsor for the Prom, Fidelity Bank; and business partners— DeKalb County’s Office of Senior Affairs and our clients as far away as Macon. They all believe in the work we do and support us daily.”

How was 2011?

“It was a solid year for Senior Connections.  It had its ups and downs but several high points come to mind: honoring Liane Levetan at the 2011 Senior Prom and the awareness the event raised; the visit to Senior Connections by Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee and her compliments on our programs, producing and delivering more than a half million meals, and our first clients in our Seniors Raising Minors Food and Nutrition program.  There’s so much work to still be done, but we’ve a solid base of funders helping us.”

What’s on your wish list?

“Unrestricted funding – we’re very lucky with our grants and program funding but those dollars are designated for specific programs – meals, for example.  With more unrestrictive funds—that is, donations from people who say ‘here, use this where it is most needed’ allows us the joy of never having to say no to a senior in need. The dollars are there for emergencies when we need it.  A senior who has been living with cold water because he can’t afford to replace his water heater, a senior carefully maneuvering around buckets trying to catch the water through a leaky roof, an elderly couple choosing between prescriptions and food—we can help with all those things with continued and expanded funding.”

Chaiwon Kim, CEO/president, and Leng Leng Chancey, director of development, Center for Pan Asian Community Services, (CPACS) Inc.

What are you most thankful for this year? 

“We are thankful for dedicated staff who continue day in and day out to provide high-quality services and at the same time championing for equal access and providing hope and opportunities for thousands of individuals and families in our community.  We are also thankful to be honored by the Champion Newspaper as a Community Champion. After opening our doors over 30 years ago we are still vibrant because of the commitment and support of local government, private corporations, individual donors and community volunteers that support us year after year.”

What kind of year was 2011 for your organization?

 “It was both a challenging yet exciting year here at CPACS.  The economic downturn has increased the numbers of clients served from a monthly average of 1,800 in 2010 to an average of 2,300 in 2011, with many in dire situations. Some of the highlights of this year were being recognized by DeKalb County CEO Award as a Community Hero and increasing our youth program to nine locations, which leads to serving some 380 youths every day.  We also opened a center in Gwinnett County.”

What’s on your wish list? 

“New laptops for our youth and employment programs, Christmas toys to give out to our needy families, canned foods for our food pantry, MARTA cards, grocery gift cards. Also, any financial donation to go to a myriad of programs.”

Alan Mothner, executive director, Dunwoody Nature Center

What are you most thankful for this year?

“The Dunwoody Nature Center is thankful for our dedicated volunteers throughout the community, for the oasis of the 22 acres of Dunwoody Park in the heart of our suburban city, and for our generous donors and business partners that make achieving our mission a reality.”

What kind of year was 2011 for your organization?

“[This year] will be remembered as a year of foundation for the Dunwoody Nature Center. On Jan. 20 the board of directors along with input from staff, the city of Dunwoody, and, of course, our membership approved and implemented a five-year strategic plan that will guide the Nature Center.”

What’s on your wish list?

“The Dunwoody Nature Center always appreciates the support of our programming and other key initiatives whether it be financial, volunteer oriented or business related.”