This is a very special letter, so despite its length, we hope you will take time to read it carefully as its 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 the men and women, Bermudian and non-Bermudian, of all ages, races and creeds, and from all walks of life, who simply want to make lives and our world better.

We are children's and senior citizens' organisations, and the ones who work with the disadvantaged. We give support to the orphaned, comfort to the dying, cheer to the lonely, and help to the physically and mentally abused and challenged. 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 we serve.

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

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

AGAPE HOUSE: We're wishing for wet wipes, hand and body moisturising lotion, scented candles and holders, manicure sets, a digital camera. Please ( Lena Ostroff at 232-0859.

BARGAIN BOX: We have but one wish: Volunteers! Our shop is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If anyone can help (any amount of time appreciated), call Bea Stott at 295-1822 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on opening days.

BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST: We're singing "On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me" as we wish for: 12 4 x 4s, 11 new machetes, ten groups of volunteers, 9,000 gallons of paint, eight photocopiers, seven laser printers, six wood chippers, $500,000 for our Annual Appeal, four weed whackers, three dishwashers, two chainsaws, and $2 million of the 'Buy Back Bermuda Campaign'. Please ( Kate Berry at 236-6483 or e-mail katebnt.bm

BERMUDA RED CROSS: We need volunteers to assist in the following areas: 1. Blood donors. 2. Driving the elderly and indigent to various medical appointments. 3. Hospital equipment rental desk. 4. Become a CPR/First Aid instructor to assist with the teaching schedule. Contact Helen Wicks at 236-8253 for further information. We would also like to extend a big 'Thank You' to our existing volunteer base for their commitment and enthusiasm, and wish you all a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

BERMUDA RIDING FOR THE DISABLED: We would be very happy to receive any of the following: Sheepskin saddle seat cover ($150), Saddle ($500), portable stereo system with CD player to incorporate music into lessons. Therapeutic riding surcingle ($500), generous donors to sponsor a child to ride for six months ($1000) or one year ($2000).

Donations to help cover our remaining costs before the covered arena opens in the New Year (a few items remain items from $1800 to $10,000). New/lightly used riding clothing/boots. Repairs for the special needs school bus for children can come to their lessons - or better still, a new bus. Sponsor to cover expenses of bringing International Paralympians to Bermuda to show our riders and the public what the disabled can achieve. ( Kate Terceira at 238-7433, fax her at 238-7434, or e-mail her at brdibl.bm to give her the good news.

BERMUDA SENIOR ISLANDERS CLUB: We're so excited about our refurbished Centre at Admiralty Park, Spanish Point. To finish it off and keep it clean we need an upright vacuum cleaner; new carpeting for main office/recreation room (approximate size 15 ft x 30 ft.) and someone to install it. Also, is there a sponsor or sponsors for our two newsletters (total cost per annum: approx. $4000? Fred Hassell, MBE is eager to provide further information, so please ( him 295-9094.

BERMUDA SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND: Donations, donations, donations - that's what we're wishing for. Please make cheques payable to the Society and mail them to Beacon House, Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM 12. Our heartfelt thanks to all who donated during the year.

BRANGMAN HOME & OLEANDER COTTAGE: (Girls/Boys homes) Our combined wishes are: two trampolines, two punching bags with gloves, four love seat swings, two floor model TVs, four pot and pan sets, decorative baking utensils (cookie cutters, etc.), 16 kayaks, 48 twin sheet sets, 16 pedal cycles (eight girls', eight boys') for ages 12-15, uplifting and peaceful hanging art (pictures, paintings) in earth tones, two large juicers, two commercial blenders, gift vouchers for video rental shops, two Play Stations and their games. Please contact Oneka Trott at 292-4983 (work) or 799-2023 (cell) to arrange delivery.

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF BERMUDA: We're wishing for 25 Big Brother and 15 Big Sister volunteers for our unmatched Littles, as well as a supply of Big Brother and Big Sister T-shirts. A laptop computer for use in recruitment presentations is also needed, along with a laser printer. Please make executive director Esme Williams' day by calling 292-2802, faxing 292-5412, or visiting her on the 2nd floor of the Somers Building, 15 Front Street between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays. Also, check our web site at www.bbbs.bm Meanwhile, a big 'Thank You' to everyone who supported our wish list last December.

CONTINUING CARE UNIT, KING EDWARD VII MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: We would welcome toiletries (tooth brushes, tooth paste, powder, lotion, soap for example) for men and women. Undervests are also needed, sizes/quantities as follows: Women 21 medium, 19 large, ten extra large, two 2X. Men: eight medium, 26 large, 16 extra large, 5 2X, 2 3X. To arrange delivery, please ( Maxine Simmons at 236-2345 ext. 1487.

FRIENDS OF THE BERMUDA NATIONAL LIBRARY: (FNL) want to demonstrate to Government that it's time to make a permanent home for the Library with a new, purpose-built facility to house the Adult and Youth departments, so we need monetary donations to help make this a reality. These should be sent to FNL, 13 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11. Volunteers are also needed to help ensure the library remains a vital organisation. Contact FNL president Ardleigh Young at 236-8042 or e-mail friendstransact.bm

HOSPITALS AUXILIARY OF BERMUDA: We're wishing for a four-slice toaster big enough to also toast bagels for our Pink Cafe, and a commercial toaster for patients on the wards. Please ( Merlene Minors at 236-2488 ext. 1375 between 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday with the good news.

LADY CUBITT COMPASSIONATE ASSOCIATION (LCCA): We're wishing for world peace and understanding for the New Year. Meanwhile, our best wishes go to our clients, volunteers and donors who so loyally enable us to carry out our community services and continue our founder's ideals.

LEFROY HOUSE: We would love to have nice house plants (real/artificial), a fish tank with accessories and fish, a new Bingo set (present one is falling apart) with numbered balls, jigsaw puzzles (50-100 large pieces suitable for adults, not children), pretty framed prints, which are bright and vibrant, to decorate the walls. Before December 17 please ( activities coordinator Karen Fox at 234-0525. After that: Mrs. Masters or Mrs. Hart at same number.

LIGHTHOUSE (STAR): We are in desperate need of new bath towels and face cloths (any colour), and also need dish towels, dish cloths and drinking glasses. Scatter rugs for our bedrooms (colour schemes: blue, lt. green, yellow) would be lovely, as would a colour TV because our present one is not working. To brighten our Christmas, please ( Ruth Skinner at 292-5941.

MEALS ON WHEELS: Our wonderful band of kitchen helpers would love to have these wishes fulfilled: 1 set of kitchen knives in a knife block, 4 small Pyrex casserole dishes with lids, hand-held blender, 3 Pyrex measuring jugs, 8-cup size, paring knives, dish towels. Please be kind enough to deliver to our Paget headquarters (opposite the Modern Mart) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Further information: ( Tanika Rodrigues at 236-1815 or fax 232-2070.

PACKWOOD HOME: To greatly improve the lives of our residents and and those who care for them, we would really, really like some electric hospital beds, as well as two reclining chairs, and two office chairs (with arms and casters). An intercom system would be extremely useful, and we really need to replace our antiquated two single telephones with a small switchboard system which will allow calls to be transferred to various areas of the home, which can't be done at present. Please contact Mrs. Carol Paynter at 234-1459 with glad tidings.

PEMBROKE REST HOME: We would like: experienced geriatric aides, six hospital-style bedside tables which can be rolled over the bed. Non-skid bedroom mats, flannel sheets (twin), towels, ceiling fans, aluminium bedroom windows, and plastic mattress covers complete our list. Mrs. Roseann Gibbons ( 292-1864 has further details.

PHYSICAL ABUSE CENTRE: There's plenty to choose from on our wish list, and we will be very pleased with whatever help can be given. Linen: Bath towels, wash cloths, twin bed sheets, twin bedspreads (solid colours, two the same colour, three the same colour), hand towels. Appliances: Deep freeze (medium size), toaster oven, vacuum cleaner, four-slice toaster, microwave, refrigerator, heaters, iron.

Kitchen: set of pots, utensils, ironing board and covers, towels (paper), dishwashing detergent, dish cloths. Household supplies: Laundry detergent, Clorox, Kleenex toilet paper, 75-watt light bulbs, plastic mattress covers (twin), shower curtains and liners with matching window curtains. Toiletries: bath soap, toothbrushes, body powder, Q-tips, toothpaste, hand lotion, baby lotion, cotton balls. Office: Scanner, Xerox paper (8 x 11, white and colour), computer. Food: Evaporated milk, margarine. Transport: Van. Please ( June Augustus or Judith Manders at 292-4366. Deliveries to: 38 Mount Hill Road, Pembroke HM 09. Mailing address: PO Box HM 2049, Hamilton HM HX.

BERMUDA PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ASSOCIATION: (BHPA) Next August we're planning a ten-day educational trip to Philadelphia for 23 handicapped people who don't normally get a chance to travel, so we would be thrilled to receive donations towards this exciting adventure. Please make cheques payable to the BHPA and mail them to: P.O. Box HM 08, Hamilton HMAX. Meanwhile, Willard Fox, on behalf of the BHPA, wishes everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year, thanks them for their support throughout this year, and reminds each and every citizen: "Please don't drink and drive. Bermuda doesn't need any more people handicapped as a result of traffic accidents."

SALVATION ARMY: For our Family Services division: canned and bottled foods (some suggestions: tuna fish, Vienna sausages, jams, jellies - things for quick lunches/school lunches), cereals, boxed juices - preferably ones which are healthy, canned fruit, evaporated milk). These are especially appreciated for use between December 20 and end of year. Call Lynn Gordon at 292-5159 or cell 737-6455. She will send a truck to collect if you can't deliver. Alternatively, for delivery instructions contact her for details.

SPCA Our animals would love to receive: Nyla bones (various sizes, but especially large), Kong toys (including solid rubber balls), treats, canned dog food, cat toys, canned cat food. Since many of our dogs have powerful jaws, we cannot use fleece toys, stuffed animals, or rubber squeak toys. For our office: We we're wishing for 3 flat-screen monitors. The kennels would like an all-purpose electric cleaner suitable for floors and sanitising cages - not necessarily new, but it must be in good working order. Telephone Theresa Ince at 236-7333 if you can help.

ST. BRENDAN'S HOSPITAL: We need volunteers to help in the following areas: 1. Our thrift store - to sort, sell and interact with clients and their departments. 2. Corporate volunteers for charitable special events and group home adoption plans. 3. An volunteer office assistant. 4. Skilled volunteers (i.e. carpentry, gardening, etc.). Also, contributions to outdoor furnishings for our courtyards. Please contact Director of Volunteer Services Linda Trott at 236-3770 ext. 3238 or fax 236-8249.

SUNSHINE LEAGUE: Our wishes fall into three categories. Household: Twin sheet sets, window coverings/Venetian blinds, bath towels and wash cloths, plastic hangers, cutlery, dish towels, meat slicer, gas BBQ, exterior sensor lights, rubble for backyard, administrative computer networked. For residents' direct benefit: movie passes, mini golf vouchers, PG-13 DVDs, educational software for computer, art and craft supplies. Miscellaneous: board games, volunteers, reading buddies, homework helpers, volunteer tutors, special event volunteers, and an architect to redevelop our back yard. For further details please e-mail slch@sunshineleague.bm or call Karen Hodgson at 292-4360.

WESTMEATH SENIORS' RESIDENCE: Our wishes consist of a long list of structural and other improvements we wish to undertake to improve the lives of our residents and staff - everything from painting the entire interior to tiling the front porch and cutting down the large tree in the driveway to increase parking. We also need new porch furniture. Director of Nursing Debbie Chase will be happy to discuss details of how you can help. Just call her at 296-7432.

WINDREACH RECREATIONAL VILLAGE: We're wishing for: Volunteers to help us from 9.15 a.m. to 12 noon Monday to Friday to host school tours. Transportation on Saturday mornings for wheelchair basketball players. Sponsorships for: (a) Scripts for our ‘Kids on the Block' puppet shows; (b) our Sensory Room; (c) a “new” bowling activity on Saturday afternoons. Jeanie Flath or Tammalita Astwood are standing by for the good news at 238-2469.

WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTRE: New computers (four) and IT support to network them. Year's supply of copy paper. Address labels. Projector for power point presentations. Telephone Penny Dill at 295-3882.