Unique Gifts for the Holidays - Part I of III

This year has been tough for everybody, but as the holiday season approaches, you can help make a difference in someone’s life.

With COVID-19 cases going up and with Americans filing for unemployment at a high rate, now more than ever is a great time to assist those who are in need. Here are a few options to get your volunteerism started.

Organizations like the statewide food bank, Food Bank of the Rockies, are seeking volunteers, according to its website. The organization has increased safety measures to protects its volunteers and is limiting the number of people who can volunteer during shifts to fewer than 50 per shift. To learn more, visit www.foodbankrockies.org/volunteer.

Mile High United Way, a nonprofit in the Denver metro area that fights for the education, health and financial stability for everybody in the community, has opportunities to volunteer both in person and virtually. The nonprofit offers a number of services to the community like childhood education, business development and more. You can learn more about volunteering for the Mile High United Way at www.unitedwaydenver.org/volunteer/.

In Greeley, volunteers to help transport injured or sick veterans to medical facilities are in need. The Northern Colorado Disabled American Veterans is in need of volunteers that have a standard driver license and that can pass a background check. To learn more about volunteering for the Northern Colorado Disabled American Veterans, call 970-352-6188.

The Denver delegation to the state legislature partnered with Denver City Council, RTD and Denver Public Schools to connect residents to locally based resources. Volunteers are used in the partnership to call residents of Denver who are 65 and older to ensure they are safe and healthy during the pandemic. You can sign up at https://bitly/39AYbF0.

The human resources nonprofit, the Action Center, is in need of volunteers to help distribute food through its drive-through distribution. The nonprofit organization is based in Lakewood and provides a number of services like food, clothing, utility assistance and more. To learn more about volunteering for the Action Center, visit www.theactioncenter.org/get-involved/.

The Denver Rescue Mission’s services are considered essential, meaning that volunteers are still welcome. The nonprofit is dedicated to serving the needs of homeless men, women and children in Denver and Northern Colorado. You can search through volunteer options for the organization at https://serve.drmvolunteers.org/custom/501/index.php.

If you want to volunteer, but you can’t make a decision about which organization or cause you want to devote your time toward, you can start by visiting volunteermatch.com. You can choose from volunteer options to help causes for animals, children, education and literacy, seniors, human rights and more. The website matches you to others who are passionate about subjects you are.