An Acres-Long Wish List

It's tucked away on five acres in the heart of a Muskego neighborhood, but perhaps that's part of the problem. Out of sight, out of mind.

However, the work that is done at Acres of Hope and Aspiration is truly amazing. The farm and rehabilitation facility assist patients that are dealing with brain injury or cognitive impairment, and it does so through the magic connection of animal therapy.

However the animals could also use a little help to sustain their work.

Lisa Alberte, RN, is nearly a one-woman show at Acres, and has shared the wish list for her animals and for the facility. While no barrels sit outside a store for Acres, the need is nonetheless real. Please check over the list below and see if there's any items you can donate:

• Hay
• Straw
• Rakes
• Brooms
• Work gloves
• Mops
• Feed for rabbits, ducks, pigs, parrots
• Dog/cat food
• Pet cages & carriers
• Pet shampoo, pillows & toys
• Apples, Carrots, Celery, Romaine Lettuce
• Pony Saddle & bridle
• Pet food dishes, Ropes & leashes, Dog pillows, beds

• Garden tools
• Toilet paper
• Paper Towels
• Napkins
• Bleach/Cleaning supplies
• Laundry soap
• Copy paper

• Dish soap
• Kleenex tissues
• Bug & Mosquito spray
• Holiday Decorations

• Shovels
• Cooking utensils
• Picture frames
• Light bulbs
• Towels & blankets
• Scrub brushes
• Ziploc & Garbage bags
• Fishing supplies
• Peacock accessories

• Pads/Cleanse for swisher sweeper
• Reynold's Wrap/Plastic cling
• Plants, Flowers, Trees, Shrubs
• Games, puzzles, books, frames
• Movie tickets, festival tickets
• DVDs, movies, CDs
• Gas cards for patient transport
• Crafts, glue, tape, paperclips

In addition, the house is also a place to stay for longer-term patients. Bigger items that the home has on a wish list of needs are below:

• Food Blender
• Movie Screen
• Front Signage for the facility
• Large Garden Hose
• Moving Dolly
• Twin mattress

• Large Plasma TV
• Home Theatre System
• Computer for patient use
• Landscape rocks
• Pitchforks
• Queen mattress

• Generator
• Garden Statues
• Parrot indoor play stand or tree
• White Christmas lights

• Garden Cart/Wagon
• Grill
• Canvas/Tarps
• Gazebo

"Monetary donations are also always welcome since animals and patient needs are ongoing and often the unexpected happens causing increasing spending such as animal illness, vet services, sump pump failures, sewage back-up, coyote animal killings and injuries, etc." said Alberte. "All of this has been experienced by Acres of Hope and Aspirations in the last year."

The facility is 501(c)3, so any donation is tax-deductible.