As Bermuda gears up for the double celebrations of Christmas and the New Year, those who devote so much of their time to running the Island's ever-lengthening list of charities are already making their wishes for 1998.

Once again, Living is highlighting some of the smaller organisations that probably receive less financial assistance and certainly far less exposure than the larger charities.

Bermuda, it seems, earns its reputation for generosity: many of the people approached for this year's list expressed thanks for help received during the past year.

While many groups voice desperate requests for more volunteer help, there is also a heavy emphasis on practical help (computers being, by far, the `hottest' request this year). Most striking, perhaps, are the number of organisations that have expressed a `wish' for changes in attitudes and lifestyles.

*** The Governor's wife, Jennifer Masefield, who chairs the BERMUDA MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION hopes that the work of the organisation will help dispel some of the old misconceptions about mental illness."I feel that, sometimes, people don't realise that schizophrenia is now understood to be a physical illness.

We might compare it with someone who's broken a leg and needs crutches to help him back to normal life. By providing homes, we are helping those who do not need to stay in hospital, to return to some semblance of normal lives.'' Mrs.

Masefield, who trained as a nurse, says, "These medicinal `crutches' help them until they are on their own feet, as it were. We are able to help them live happier, more useful lives. Some of these people were homeless and now we are providing a very good standard of permanent accommodation.'' She believes that this more enlightened attitude to the mentally ill is "important and exciting. We would now like to acquire our next property to help more people.

Altogether, our goal is to provide homes for about 50 people, so my wish is that we are able to realise that aim.'' (Tel. 292-3434) *** Vanese Flood, Project Administrator of KEEP BERMUDA BEAUTIFUL says that her wishes for next year concentrate the mind rather than the pocket. "I am wishing that our success in 1997 continues to grow and that our exciting plans for 1998 will generate interest and participation from the community. But, most importantly,'' she adds, "it would be great if the public could spare a bit more time thinking about how their actions affect our environment.'' (Tel.

295-5142) SOS wants Bermudians to get more involved Dedicated to the same theme is SAVE OPEN SPACES. "I would like to see far more Bermudians actively participating in the fight for the preservation of our green, open spaces. I wish that all Bermudians would understand the value of open spaces for future generations in this densely populated Island. I wish they would realise that open spaces are long-term investments and are not a fair trade for short-term, economical and commercial development. I would also like to establish a tree nursery to re-populate the Island with native and endemic species. But most of all,'' he concludes, "there is an urgent need for all existing laws that affect Bermuda's open spaces to be scrutinised and modified to protect, preserve and enhance this Island's beauty.'' (Tel.

296-2554).

*** With Bermuda having recently recorded its 400th known fatality from AIDS, THE ALLAN VINCENT SMITH FOUNDATION is still wishing for a cure and a stop to the spreading of the virus. President Joe Gibbons says, "I also wish that Bermudians would become more aware and take responsibility for their actions -- to practise safe sex or abstain until they are in safe, monogamous relationships. From the Foundation's point of view, I would like to see more cooperation and coordination among our charitable organisations that are working in the same general areas. We have to remember that charities are not about individuals -- they are about people!''(Tel. 295-6882) *** Speaking up loudly for "those who cannot speak for themselves'', the BERMUDA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (SPCA) has a strictly practical list of wishes for the New Year.

Toys for animals penned up in cages help relieve boredom and tennis balls for the dogs are especially welcome. Bulletin boards for display purposes are in very short supply and a new medical scale is needed to weigh animals. There is a constant need for towels and blankets to help comfort and protect the animals -- some of whom may arrive at the Shelter injured, ill or in very high states of stress.

SPCA always needs the public's money and help Treasurer Mary Barnes says that bigger "dreams'' would include "Some fencing for our horse paddock and landscapers who would be willing to donate some time to push back our overgrown grounds. We have some special projects planned as well, so we would also welcome help in painting, carpentry and general maintenance. We do need more volunteers to take our educational programmes into the schools and, of course,'' she adds, "we always need loving homes for animals in the Shelter. But we would like people to do this AFTER Christmas and after they have considered all the implications and responsibilities involved in electing to give an animal a good home.'' (Tel. 236-7333) *** One of our newest charities (registered in February of this year) is THE ST.

GEORGE'S FOUNDATION. Formed to enhance, support and preserve the historical heritage of Bermuda's architectural `jewel in Bermuda's crown', the Foundation arose as a result of a recommendation in the town's Development Plan. Says administrator Louise Anfossi, "We are looking for donations for paving stones for streets such as Featherbed Alley or Chapel Lane. Some people may donate a $10 brick, while others might be able to donate a whole street. We also need some specific computer software for fundraising purposes.'' (Tel. 297-1532) *** The forthright director of the BERMUDA MARITIME MUSEUM is in no doubt about the type of assistance he would wish for in 1998. Just before he left Bermuda last week to deliver a speech on heritage education at an international conference in Hong Kong, Dr. Edward Harris said, "I would like the Government to start making the proper investment in our cultural heritage. It is essential for the well-being of our tourism industry that they make financial and capital investments in our historical buildings -- before it's too late.'' Warming to the subject, he adds, "If they can fork out $40 million on a sports stadium and distribute about $30 million around Madison Avenue, surely they could spend some money on what are, literally, the very foundations of our tourism industry. My wish is for government to start taking our cultural heritage seriously.'' (Tel. 234-1333).

*** Mrs. Jean Gallagher, director of the BERMUDA SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND says their most urgent problem is a lack of volunteers. "We have a shop now (in the upper level of the Washington Mall on Church Street) where we can sell our clients' handiwork. If we had more people to help out at Beacon House, I could devote more time to selling. Also, of course, we can always use donations to maintain and keep the place going.'' (Tel. 292-3231) *** At FOCUS, the `Open Door' drug and alcohol counselling centre on Union Street, the urgent hope is for some kind of residency for recovering clients. "We have people who are doing very well, but have nowhere to stay,'' says executive coordinator Sandy Butterfield. "We desperately need somewhere, a transitional home for at least ten people.'' *** With much of the emphasis at FOCUS on training clients for employment, Mrs.

Butterfield says they also need some newer computers that are IBM-compatible.

"Some of ours are so old they are now almost more trouble than they are worth! Nowadays, we have to be able to train people to at least use `Windows 95' -- and even that's a bit outdated. So, if any companies out there are thinking of upgrading, or have obsolete computers lying around, we would be very grateful if they would think of us!'' (Tel. 296-2196) *** Mark Selley, co-founder with Hilary Soares of the BERMUDA STROKE AND FAMILY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION (both are stroke survivors) wishes that the general public would become "stroke smart'' by leading healthier lives and recognising the warning signs. "Strokes are brain-related and risk can be avoided by controlling weight, not smoking, checking for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. I believe a stroke is a challenge to every survivor...but so is life...and recovery is an attitude to life.'' He would also wish for a change in insurance company policies regarding treatment. Noting that an average of one person per week suffers a stroke, he says that intensive rehabilitation programmes, at present offered only overseas, offer the best chances of recovery, "but the insurance companies seem to have a problem with that. In the long run, it is cheaper for a person to become productive rather than a long-term burden for the community.'' Mr. Selley, who gives talks to groups and schools, says there is a need for volunteers, mainly to give some relief to care givers: "A stroke affects the entire family -- and age has no bearing on this as children do suffer strokes. As a community we need to be more aware.'' (Tel. 236-0037) *** BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF BERMUDA is justly proud of their reputation for `Changing the Odds -- One Child at a Time'. In order to go on doing just that, however, office coordinator Diane Murray says that her organisation urgently needs more volunteers. "We have 82 `matches', but we also have another 54 boys who are awaiting a `Big Brother'.'' The organisation was formed 16 years ago, to help Bermuda's children through the pitfalls of childhood. Volunteers, says Miss Murray, are asked to commit to "at least'' a couple of hours each week for a minimum of one year.

"Children need consistency in their lives,'' she explains, noting that a Big Brother or Big Sister needs to be a friend, as well as a role model and mentor. "You don't have to do anything special with these young people,'' she emphasises, "It could be as simple as going to a soccer game -- or playing soccer with him, or just going for a walk. The child's self-esteem increases through the knowledge that there is an adult who genuinely cares for him. And, as one volunteer put it, `I joined to make a difference in a child's life, but sometimes I think I get more out of it than he does'.'' On the practical front, their office lacks a typing chair or storage cabinet and, says Miss Murray, "Our last wish is, I'm afraid, a big one! We need a newer computer. Our current Macintosh is very dated and has been subject to some problems recently, so any help in that area would be very much appreciated.'' (Tel. 292-2802) *** Cultural tourism in Bermuda would take a leap forward if the BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST had its own web site, believes director Amanda Outerbridge. "It would be so much easier to market our programme,'' she says. "We arrange itineraries and tours for visitors and our own website would encourage more people to come here as well as being an educational tool and research resource.'' Wish list for charities Another urgent project is Clyde's Cafe in St. George's: "This important historic building is crying out for care.'' Finally, there is a reminder about the annual Trust Auction in February. "This is one of our major fundraisers so now is the time for people to be thinking of donations.'' (Tel. 236-6483) *** When founder Martha Dismont decided to make an all-out effort to help "high risk'' children by providing affordable tuition, she had no idea that THE FAMILY LEARNING CENTRE would become so important to so many people. Formed in 1990, the focus of the Centre has since grown to include extensive counselling services for parents and children. This is being further expanded through collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and the National Drug Commission to provide a strong, community-based resource.

Assistant director Peter Carey says that the Centre's most urgent need is for approximately 2,500 square feet of "child-friendly'' office space within the city of Hamilton -- and, ideally, some air conditioners and "bean bag'' chairs.

Also needed are computer printers and educational software, a photcopier, dry erase board, `In/Out' board and general school and art supplies. "Most important, however,'' he emphasises, "are volunteers who have the ability and willingness to assist with our enrichment activities and academic support programmes.'' (Tel. 2395-1116) *** ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, one of Bermuda's oldest charities, has finally acquired its own building and can now boast three ambulances. "We found it quite easy to raise funds for an ambulance, because it's an emotional thing -- after all, we never know when we may be riding in it ourselves!'' says Chairman of Council Colin Curtis. "But we have never had a foundation account to keep St. John off the public dole, so I'm planning to launch a capital fund appeal.'' (Tel. 293-0108) *** Finally, Richard Winchell, principal curator at the BERMUDA AQUARIUM, MUSEUM AND ZOO has some good news. "The flamingos that we sent to Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands through our breeding programme are doing very well and numbers are up from 20 to about 34.'' The Aquarium's latest contribution to the worldwide international conservation programme are six Golden Lion tamarins. The plan is for the offspring of these endangered animals to be re-introduced into their native forests of Brazil. (Tel. 293-2727) AMANDA OUTERBRIDGE -- The director of the National Trust is hoping for an excellent annual Trust Auction in February since it is "one of our major fundraisers''.