Bloomington Leader

The YWCA released its Association Wish List, which contains "a sampling of resources and supplies that would enhance the experiences of our clients and support our staff." The list can be found at www.ywcamclean.org/how-to-help/wish-list/.

Requested items for YWCA's Labyrinth program include 30-day bus passes, Band-Aids, bath and face towels, new or gently used towels, cleaning supplies, coffee (regular and decaf), creamer and sugar, deodorant, feminine hygiene products (full-size packages, not travel size), garbage bags, housewares/kitchen items (cookware, dish towels, etc.), journals/notebooks, planners, Kleenex/tissues, laundry detergent, microwaves, Midol, razors, shaving cream, shoes (tennis shoes, house slippers, flip-flops), toilet paper, and queen bedding/blankets.

The list includes gift cards for Walmart and Kroger, which are needed most. Gift cards for home improvement/general stores, $10 gas cards, and cards for activities like bowling, movies, museums, coffee shops, etc. (for mentors to share with clients) are also requested.

Requested items for YWCA's Stepping Stones program include laminators, tubs/containers, canvas baskets, pillows, throws/blankets, tissues, light bulbs, rugs, Post-it notes, colored paper, Keurig coffee K-cup refills, Amazon gift cards (for client book purchases), new sweatshirts, T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts (size small to 3X), new underwear (all sizes), new socks, new flip-flops, new sports bras (size small to 3X), new sweatpants (size small to 3X), pens, pencils, journals, stickers (smiley face and stars), transit bus tokens, gift cards to various places (gas, grocery, food, etc.), file folders, markers, crayons, modeling clay, Crayola Model Magic, sketch pads, and monetary donations (for clients to attend workshops and healing events).

The YWCA posted its Young Wonders Wish List, which contains toys and supplies for young children. The list can be found at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1GJ9WYMZF9ABV/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex.

Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to YWCA McLean County, 1201 North Hershey Rd., Bloomington, IL 61704. People who are donating in person can enter through the administrative entrance on the lower level of the building. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 

The YWCA will also accept monetary donations, which can be made online at www.ywcamclean.org/how-to-help/donate/. Other ways of donating to the organization can be found at www.ywcamclean.org/how-to-help/ways-to-give/.

The YWCA of McLean County was established in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1908. It has served the needs of children, women, families, and senior citizens in the community for more than 100 years. The organization provides a variety of programs and service offerings that benefit people from the age of six weeks of age to the end of life.

The original goal of the YWCA of McLean County was to assist working women with day-to-day tasks, babysitting services, and recreation. The organization eventually began providing assistance to unemployed women and teens in the 1940s. It offered training classes so McLean County teachers could teach physical education to female students. The organization began offering classes to women on all aspects of life in the 1950s. 

"YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities," the organization's website noted. "We are one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, serving more than two million women, girls, and their families.

"YWCA has been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements for more than 150 years — from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to health care reform. Today, we combine programming and advocacy in order to generate institutional change in three key areas: racial justice and civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement of women and girls, and health and safety of women and girls."