The Christmas Wish List is a charitable holiday program that has become a tradition in our area.  Through this program the Volunteer Center matches wishes of hundreds of local children with generous donors who fulfill them.  Gift wishes are usually for clothing, household items, or toys.  Donors may elect to purchase a single gift, several, or a whole family's requests.  Cash may be donated for gifts if donors prefer not to shop.  Volunteers and staff purchase all remaining requests with donated funds.

School-Success professionals, teachers, and social workers in Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties submit families to the Volunteer Center's Christmas Wish List.  Those submitting are in a position to verify need, obtain specific gift requests, and maintain anonymity.  The Volunteer Center does not accept submissions from individuals.  The Christmas Wish List collaborates with the Salvation Army, Vietnam Vets Toys for Kids, Shelter Inc, and other groups to eliminate duplication of services. 

The 2012 Christmas Wish List begins Monday, November 5 matching wishes with donors through Thursday, December 6.  Gifts must be returned the week of December 3-6 to Room 104 of the Center building.  Gifts should be labeled with the child's name and code number.  Cash donations are always welcome.

The program concludes with Alpena Public School bus drivers and other volunteers delivering gifts back to referral organizations who then distribute them to recipients.