There is no better way to give thanks for the many blessings in your life than to pay it forward. Between a raucous election, social tension, economic strife, and ever-changing health concerns, we arrive at this holiday season needing the joy and community it brings more than ever. That also means outreach and community service stand to make more of an impact than ever before.
If you are in a position to give back this holiday season by donating your time or other resources. We wanted to share a list from 5280 magazine pointing you in the right direction. Here are some organizations and efforts around Denver that need your help to make this season healthy, happy, and plentiful for everyone!
Latina Safehouse
This is organization that provides resources and support for members of the Latin community who have survived domestic violence and abuse. You can volunteer your time at one of their many fundraising events or train as a Crisis Line Advocate. You can also make a personal donation or sponsor a woman or family in need. This may include transportation, clothing, and other essential household items. These avenues of support can all be pursued remotely.
Period Kits Denver
Based in Thornton, this organization provides 90-day supply kits of personal feminine hygiene products to women experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, or extreme poverty. You can make a monetary or product donation at any one of their drop-off sites. In light of COVID restrictions double check online which sites are open when. You can also volunteer your time. They are looking for volunteers to create kits, pick up donations, or perform administrative tasks.
Denver Rescue Mission
A pillar of the Denver urban community, the DRM has long worked to aid and rehabilitate the homeless and poverty-stricken communities of Denver. This Thanksgiving and Christmas they are in desperate need of meal service volunteers. If you cannot sign up for a shift or would prefer to make a donation remotely, they are always accepting monetary and goods donations.
Denver Santa Claus Shop
Think of this wonderful organization as Santa’s helpful elves. With unemployment at an all-time high due to the ramifications of COVID, many families are worried about putting gifts under the tree this Christmas. You can help by making a monetary donation or visiting the Shop’s Amazon Wishlist. Help by purchasing toys and gifts for children in need. This year aside, they have in the past and will again in the future accept donations of gently used toys and also offer fundraising opportunities where volunteers can donate their time.
Howliday Market & Silent Auction
Let’s not forget our furry friends this holiday season! Put on by the Denver Animal Shelter and Denver Animal Protection, you can shop an online market and silent auction from now until December 5th. Many of the items are pet-themed and all proceeds will go to the services provided by these organizations to the sheltered and fostered pets of Denver. A special calendar can also be purchased featuring heart-melting professional photographs of the pets currently under the care of DAS.
Food Bank of the Rockies
Their motto: “Food is the foundation for a happy, healthy life.” With a network of partners and distributors, FBR serves the hungry and homeless of Denver and offers several ways to volunteer. With social distance in mind, you can donate your time by signing up for one of their many warehouse shifts. You can also donate food, money, or even host your own food drive by calling on the members of your own community to contribute. Explore even more opportunities by visiting the promotional section of their site. They partner with local businesses such as Argonauts, Harkins Theater, and Natural Grocers for other service programs.
Corken & Company would also like to take this opportunity to give thanks for our special community. We appreciate your business and constant support. We love what we do because we get to do it for all of you! Enjoy a happy holiday season and stay healthy!
Full article here.