WISH LIST $100: vehicle and fuel costs to collect furniture for 4 families in need; $500: a complete beautification project in a low-income school or public housing residence; $1000: storage space for donated furniture for 1 month

It's easy to take for granted some of the ordinary objects that surround us and that, quite literally, furnish our lives. But for individuals and families transitioning out of battered women's and homeless shelters, or recovering from floods and fires, there is nothing ordinary about a table, dresser, or bed. Every day, A Wider Circle receives more than 100 calls, many from people who simply have nothing. So the basics come first, delivered with minimal overhead, no red tape, and help from a large volunteer team - including board members, who all work on the front lines. But there is more: cutting edge health and wellness programs attend to clients' inner needs with workshops on healthy self-esteem (a commodity in short supply here), stress management, and financial planning. Additional programs serve children in low-income schools, teen mothers, and elders in public housing. The idea is to provide the basics and also to affirm for every client that he or she is a whole person worthy of support. Your generosity goes a long way here.

Mark Bergel, Executive Director 4808 Moorland Lane, Suite 802 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-1010 www.awidercircle.org