Each year The Royal Gazette helps registered charities and special homes by publishing a wish list of needs, the cost of which they cannot afford themselves. Compiled by Lifestyle's Nancy Acton in the form of a Letter to Santa, it gives the public and corporate bodies an opportunity to respond, either individually or collectively, and share the Christmas spirit in a meaningful way with gifts that go on giving all year.

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Dear Santa,

We apologise for the length of this letter, but it is a very special one, so we hope you will take the time to read it carefully as the wishes are important to so many.

Unlike most letters you receive we are not children requesting toys, pets, or computer games. Rather, we are the many charities and special homes who brighten human and animal lives, and in some cases we actually save them. We are men and women, Bermudian and non-Bermudian, of all ages, races and creeds, and from all walks of life, who simply want to make the lives of others, and our world, better.

We are the children's and seniors' organisations, and the ones who work with the disadvantaged. We give support to the orphaned, comfort to the sick and dying, cheer to the lonely, and help to the physically and mentally challenged and abused. We also work with animals, giving them food, treatment and new homes.

In short, we are the helping hands of Bermuda, and we love what we do throughout the year. Despite willing hearts, however, our work is not always easy because our needs are greater than our resources. So, like everyone else when Christmas comes around, we hope that with your help, the season of goodwill will touch all hearts and translate into generous help for those whom we serve.

If this list seems long it is because, in these increasingly uncertain and difficult financial times, those requiring our assistance are growing in number, and we are struggling to meet their needs. If you cannot bring us everything we ask for we understand, but we would be most grateful to receive something, because every wish fulfilled really makes a difference to the lives we touch throughout the year.

Thank you, dear Santa, and may you also receive the blessings of the Christmas season.

Bermuda National Trust We would like to receive marketing software and training sessions for the 'In Design' programme; 'Property' software and training; and bi-monthly space in The Royal Gazette for Trust-related advertising and/or promotion. Kelly Way is hoping for the good news on 236-6483 ext. 222 or you can e-mail her, kelly@bnt.bm

Bermuda Red Cross: We need volunteers to serve as follows: 1. Drivers from the Somerset, Southampton, Warwick, Paget and Hamilton parishes to take the elderly to medical appointments. Call 292-1276. 2. Assistance in the hospital equipment rental department, and relief volunteers for those on vacation. Call 236-8253. 3. Certified instructors for CPR and first aid classes. 4. Licensed nurses/refreshment hostesses for the blood donor centre. Call 236-5067 5. Various fundraising activities throughout 2009. Call 236-8253. In addition, we are wishing for: blood donors. Call 236-5067; payment of all delinquent hospital equipment rental department accounts during the first quarter of 2009; the return of unused equipment; financial donations to assist with internal renovations to the F.W. Clipper Building Fund, and general expenses. Call 236-8253.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda: Our greatest wish is for volunteers to mentor our 90-plus unmatched Littles, of which the majority are boys. Please contact executive director Esme Williams on 232-2802, esme.bbbs@logic.bm">esme.bbbs@logic.bm or fax 236-5412. Meanwhile, we give thanks and Season's Greetings to the community.

Brangman Home: We have seven young people, each with their own wish list, which space does not permit detailing in full here. Overall, the lists include iPods, specific brands/styles/sizes of sneakers and clothing, as well as jewellery, cosmetics, a pedal cycle and more. Please call cottage supervisor Letia Outerbridge on 292-3699 or 534-9033 for the details. Ms Outerbridge also hopes to receive these items for the home: a photocopier, digital camera, medium size TV, DVD player, karaoke machine, laminating machine, and subscription to CableVision or WOW.

Friends of the Bermuda National Library: We thank the public for continuing to support us through the library's renovations, and encourage everyone to use our wonderful facilities. For our seniors' computer courses, our wish is for computers and two 42-inch TVs. FOL president Ardleigh Young is the person to contact either by e-mail, friends@transact.bm, or telephone, 236-8042.

Friends of Hospice (Agape House): We would welcome scented candles, travel-size toiletries, face cloths, plastic combs and hair brushes; five CD players (one for each of the patients' rooms); framed paintings/posters to hang in our patients' rooms/reception areas; new curtains for reception rooms/patients' bedrooms; new couches and chairs for the family sitting room. Erica Fulton is the person to contact on 232-0859 or by e-mail, erica.fulton@BermudaHospitals.bm

Hands of Love: Our wish list is for blankets for the street people, non-perishable items for their food hampers, and volunteers to help serve their Christmas dinner. We also need financial donations and grocery vouchers. Oh yes, and a 900 sq ft space to rent. Fern Wade prayerfully awaits your call on 238-7368, or you can drop by Hands of Love on Camp Hill Road, Warwick.

Help Good to Go: We would be happy to receive donations of food, clothing and toiletries for distribution to the elderly, terminally ill, and large families. We also need financial donations and grocery vouchers. By the way, we will also collect Christmas party leftovers for delivery to those in need. Please give Tanya Symonds a call on 516-0859.

Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda: We are wishing for a microwave for the Pink Café. We also need volunteers to join the organisation, and particularly some males to assist at The Barn, where some physical work, like lifting furniture, is required. Please call Nancy Oughton on 236-2488 or e-mail nancy.oughton@BermudaHospitals.bm to arrange delivery, and for interviews.

KEMH Extended Care Unit (Lower): We would appreciate receiving toiletries for men and women — e.g. combs and brushes, lotions, bath gels, small containers of medicated powder. Awaiting the good news are: Mrs. Simmons on 239-2055 ext. 2019 or Mrs. Ingram on 239-2055 ext. 1487.

KEMH Extended Care (Upper): Our wish is for T-shirts with sleeves (all sizes) for men; undervests (all sizes) for women; socks (all sizes) for men and women; and toiletries (non-aerosol deodorant, powder, soap, lotion), so please contact Jean Gibbons on 239-2018 or e-mail jean.gibbons@BermudaHospitals.bm">jean.gibbons@BermudaHospitals.bm re: delivery.

LCCA: Our wish is for the community's financial support so we can continue to help our clients in need. Call 292-1132. We also wish for world peace and understanding in the future. At this time, we also extend best wishes to our many clients, volunteers and donors who enable us to provide a valuable service to the community, and to continue the ideals of our founder.

Lefroy House: We are very grateful to the Mid-Ocean Club and the Department of Tourism for granting last year's wishes for televisions, which are lovely, but our biggest wish really came true when we asked families to actively participate in our seniors' lives. So our wish this year is that they will continue to do so. To that end, we would love to have a karaoke machine so families and residents can have even more fun together. Activities coordinator Karen Fox is standing by on 234-0525 or you can e-mail ksfox@gov.bm.

Meals on Wheels: Here's what will keep us rolling in the year ahead: sponsorship for clients who are unable to pay; gift certificates from International Imports; a 10,000 btu air conditioner; computer (new or in good working order); 30 folding/stackable chairs; new volunteers. Tannika Rodrigues looks forward to good tidings on 236-1815, or by fax 232-2070.

Packwood Home: Our greatest wish is to have a ten- to 13-seater van so we can take more of our residents on outings. Our present van, which is old, can only take five. We also need two commode seats on wheels, a four-slice toaster, a standing fan, and new dining room tables and chairs. Make acting administrator Debra Darrell's day by calling 234-1459.

PALS: Our wish is that the generous people of Bermuda will continue to support us, because without their donations there is no way we could give the requisite care to our patients. Our annual budget is now $1 million. We don't charge for our services, so without the public's kind assistance there would be no PALS. Meanwhile, we want to thank all those who have supported us in so many ways all year.

Physical Abuse Centre: Our wishes include supplies of feminine toiletries; donation of funds to assist with the building of our new shelter; donations of food to the office (former Bethel AME church parsonage, North Shore). We'd also like if persons would adopt a family by providing gifts for the children and food for Christmas dinner. For more details, needs, and information please contact Laurie Shiell on 292-4366 or e-mail physicalabuse@ibl.bm.

Salvation Army: Our wishes are many, but so are the people we help, so please choose from the following new items: For our street ministry and emergency housing: toiletries for men and women (soap, toothpaste, face cloths and towels, brushes, mouth wash, shaving cream, deodorant). For the Harbour Light residential programme: Refurbishment of our chapel; two DVD players; two laptop computers; an LCD unit; dish towels, wash cloths, bath towels, mops, brooms, dustpan, vacuum, two community vans, an extra large cooler, new Tupperware containers, bath mats, place mats and rugs. For family services: indoor air conditioner for food pantry, shelves for food, bathroom window. The person to contact is Cheryl Jones on 292-0601, fax 293-3765, or e-mail Cheryl_Jones@can.salvationarmy.org.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA): Top of our wish list is good homes for our beautiful adult cats. We would also welcome: dishwashing detergent, 8 x 11-inch photocopier paper, bath towels, bleach, Bounty paper towels, cat litter, climbing trees for cats, Tide HE (high efficiency) laundry detergent. Monetary gifts are always needed, and can be made on-line at www.spca.bm For all the other items, please call Lori on 236-7333.

STAR: Our bedrooms are very cold in winter, so we would be very grateful to have four electric heaters donated to keep our residents warm. Other pressing needs are a microwave and coloured bath towels and wash cloths. To make our wishes come true, call Ruth Skinner on 292-5941.

Sunshine League Children's Home: Space does not permit us to list everything on our long list, so please call executive director Denise Carey on 292-4360 for full details. Meanwhile, here's a sampling: A group therapist for one night a week; adopt our yard — if 12 companies commit to one corporate day a month in 2009, our yard work is done. Four computers for the office. Savings accounts for each child. Everyday needs include: Twin mattress covers and sheets, towels and face cloths; water from Water Works/Butterfield and Vallis; toiletries, DVDs, DVD player, schoolwork books (grade 4 and up), 8 x 11-inch paper (all colours), food donations, gift certificates to various stores/extra-curricular classes. The children would love to have two rabbits with hutch, and a fish tank with fish, to care for.

Westmeath Residential and Nursing Home: We are wishing for four electrical recliners; brush and comb sets; hypoallergenic pillows; and indoor potted plants. Please call deputy matron Elizabeth Gladwin on 295-2451 to arrange delivery.

Women's Resource Centre: We are in great need of tall and short book shelves, four comfortable desk chairs, a coat rack and paper shredder. Make Elizabeth Kast's day by calling 295-3882 with the good news.