In addition to polishing up personal wish lists this holiday season, the Coles County Homeless Shelter is requesting consideration of the less fortunate.

Housing, Outreach, Prevention and Education, or HOPE, is a non-profit organization that sponsors the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Coles County Homeless Shelter.

HOPE has established a wish list of needs of the area homeless shelter. While the list’s needs are not exclusively directed to this season, shelter employees hope the holiday spirit of giving will increase donations.

“Sometimes groups will put special things together for the holidays,” said shelter employee Sean Barth. “But we could always use anything on the list.”

Topping the list is the center’s need for volunteers. Last year there were 3,162 night stays at the shelter, and since October 2001 the shelter has had a waiting list. Any volunteers willing to contribute time would be appreciated.

Other wish list items include cleaning supplies and hygiene products. Bedding, good furniture, lamps, small appliances, pots, pans, silverware and cooking utensils are requested as well. Prepaid phone and gas cards would also be useful donations. Anything fitting into those categories are especially needed by the shelter’s visitors.

No wish list items are desired more than others. Any product on the list would be appreciated, Barth said. However, food and clothing are not needed.

All donations should be dropped off directly at the Coles County Homeless Shelter, located at 701 Sixth St.

Special donations of time or products for the holiday season are welcome but not especially requested.

“Sometimes groups put special things like Christmas dinners together for the holidays,” Barth said.

For any information on volunteering or donating, the Coles County Homeless Shelter staff can be reached at 348-0912.

Any of the men, women and children seeking shelter in the Coles County area need the help of volunteers and donations.

“The shelter relies on people for their kindness,” Barth said.