Wish: To support community engagement by providing art supplies for Open Studio & Art Bar spaces, which offer visitors opportunities to explore a variety of art mediums, including beading, drawing, painting, collage and more. Mission: To enrich lives through modern and contemporary art. Learn More: www.akronartmuseum.org
Wish: For the Arts Inclusion Incubator, which provides emerging performing artists from marginalized communities with professional guidance as well as administrative, marketing and technical support. Mission: To enrich the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds by presenting a diverse array of performing artists and community events. Learn More: www.akroncivic.com
Wish: For the Emerging Artists Program, which identifies, selects and exhibits diverse local artists in its CapSoul Gallery. Mission: Akron Soul Train is an artist residency program connecting and empowering the community and artists by granting fellowships that provide resources for all creative disciplines, thereby fostering a more vibrant downtown Akron. Learn More: www.akronsoultrain.org
Wish: To purchase computers for out-of-school time programming, which provides individualized, adaptive learning opportunities for underserved students in grades K-12. Mission: To improve the quality of life of Summit County citizens, particularly African-Americans, through economic self-reliance and social empowerment. Learn More: www.akronurbanleague.org
Wish: For a digital display and charging station to promote Library On the Go, a collaborative project with METRO RTA to bring library materials to its riders, featuring online library card registration, access to e-books, charging cords for mobile devices and more. Mission: We provide resources for learning and leisure; information services; and programs that support, improve and enrich individual, family and community life. Learn More: www.akronlibrary.org
Wish: To support the 2023 water safety program for individuals with development disabilities, which offers one-on-one specialized swimming lessons twice a week. Mission: We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Learn More: www.autismakron.org
Wish: To purchase a portable background check machine that will expedite the volunteer screening process and enhance the safety of students in the mentoring program. Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Learn More: www.mentorwithme.org
Wish: To update the climbing tower – an integral part of multiple scouting programs and badges – to meet current standards for safety, styles and codes. Mission: To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Learn More: www.gtcbsa.org
Wish: To purchase video games, board games and table games for the Steve Wise Club in Firestone Park, making the club a fun and safe place for kids to go after school. Mission: To inspire and enable young people who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Learn More: www.bgcneo.org
Wish: To provide Summit Lake youth with access to fun and meaningful activities, such as 3D printing, programming equipment and video games, in a safe and supportive environment. Mission: Building for Tomorrow is a nonprofit subsidiary of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. Our work provides residents with the tools they need to reach their potential. Learn More: www.akronhousing.org/pages/Building-for-Tomorrow
Wish: To provide homeless LGBTQ+ young adults with resources to meet their basic needs and reach their educational goals, including grocery gift cards and laptops. Mission: CANAPI serves the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV through education, support services, quality housing, and advocacy. Learn More: www.canapi.org
Wish: To enable a certified therapy dog and trainer to spend 20 hours per week at the CASA office to help allay the stress and trauma associated with involvement in the child welfare system. Mission: CASA recruits, screens, trains and supports community volunteers who serve as advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children. Learn More: www.summitcasagal.org
Wish: To provide students with discounted tickets for the Spring Concert Hall Series, so all can attend in-person concerts at the historic Akron Civic Theatre. Mission: Children's Concert Society is a nonprofit, educational, volunteer organization presenting quality music programs for the children of our community. Learn More: www.childrensconcertsociety.org
Wish: For the shoe voucher program, which provides $40 vouchers that students in need can use to purchase shoes of their choice. Mission: The Christ Child Society of Akron provides for children in need through our layette, bereavement, clothing center/shoe voucher, and literacy programs. Learn More: www.christchildsocietyakron.org
Wish: To purchase play therapy tools that support the healing of children with mental or behavioral health issues, including sand trays, puppets, dress-up toys and more. Mission: To improve the lives of people, regardless of their ability to pay, in the areas of mental health, substance use, residential and rehabilitation. Learn More: www.colemanservices.org
Wish: For the Boston Arts program, which allows diverse local artists to tell the stories of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Mission: The Conservancy for CVNP enriches people’s lives and enhances our region by inspiring use, preservation and support of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn More: www.conservancyforcvnp.org
Wish: To adopt a Summit County classroom and provide a ballroom dance residency program to its students. Mission: To build social awareness, confidence and self esteem in children through the practice of social dance. Learn More: www.dancingclassroomsneo.org
Wish: To help purchase a used large-capacity cargo van for the Mobile Meals program, which delivers nutritional meals to low-income, elderly and disabled residents. Mission: Family & Community Services seeks to strengthen, empower and enrich the lives of individuals and families through a broad continuum of services. Learn More: www.fcsserves.org
Wish: To purchase durable bunk beds and furniture for homeless families living in the Glendora House. Mission: Family Promise of Summit County keeps homeless families together and helps them achieve sustainable independence. Learn More: www.familypromisesc.org
Wish: To help purchase a six-person, “limo style” golf cart to transport children around the golf course as part of this life skills and leadership development program. Mission: First Tee – Greater Akron provides golf-based youth development programming to a diverse array of Summit County youth ages 5-18. Learn More: www.firstteeakron.org
Wish: To purchase at-home blood pressure monitors to help clients avoid the serious risks and complications associated with hypertension. Mission: The Free Clinic of Medina County provides free medical services to eligible people who live or work in Medina County. Learn More: www.fcomc.org
Wish: To create a toolbox of adaptive aids and personal care items so that all girls, regardless of ability, are able to participate in the organization’s signature program, which combines physical activity with lessons that build girls’ confidence, kindness and decision-making skills. Mission: Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using fun, experience-based curricula that creatively integrates running. Learn More: www.gotrnortheastohio.org
Wish: For grocery distribution and kids bag delivery items, such as new tables and tote bins, as well as raised composite beds for the garden. Mission: To alleviate food insecurity for individuals and families in the Akron area. Learn More: www.goodsamaritanhungercenter.org
Wish: To purchase personal care, clothing and hygiene items for terminally ill residents. Mission: To provide a loving home for indigent, homeless and abandoned individuals at the end of life. The home provides safe shelter, care with dignity and compassion, and a nurturing environment for individuals with terminal illnesses. Learn More: www.gracehouseakron.org
Wish: To support the organization’s growth by hiring a consultant to develop a strategic plan. Mission: We partner with individuals and organizations to cultivate purpose-driven, values-based, community-minded leadership for our community. Learn More: www.htohleadership.org
Wish: To support the Pet Food Pantry Program, which provides pet food resources through existing hunger relief networks across Summit County. Mission: Humane Society of Summit County serves our community by caring and advocating for vulnerable animals and enriching lives of pets and people. Learn More: www.summithumane.org
Wish: To create a recovery community room where male residential treatment clients can relax and build connections in between programming. Mission: IBH Addiction Recovery offers persons with alcohol and drug addiction the opportunity to restore hope and gain skills for a lifetime of sobriety. Learn More: www.ibh.org
Wish: To purchase event and safety equipment for the more than 80 community racing events the organization hosts annually, helping to reduce rental costs and staff time. Mission: To build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration, fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculum, and other community-focused activities. Learn More: www.soapboxderby.org
Wish: To purchase software that will prepare 300 out-of-school youth to achieve their educational goals and pursue post-secondary training or employment at a livable wage. Mission: JOG helps youth with multiple barriers complete their education and successfully transition to employment at a livable wage and/or job training. Learn More: www.jogworks.org
Wish: To provide professional development training for staff so they can improve their skills and better serve the organization’s 30,000 students. Mission: To inspire and prepare young people to believe they have the power to own their economic future. Learn More: jaofnco.ja.org