Unique Gifts for the Holidays (PART III)
There is a simple way to connect your family with your community and to give your children the chance to experience the joy of giving back at a young age: volunteering.
Thankfully, Colorado is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that are constantly working to make our state and our community a better place. And while life can get busy around this time of year with activities like gift shopping and spending time with loved ones, there isn’t a better time of year to give back.
La Voz is continuing its Unique Gifts series all the way up until the Christmas holiday. This week, our staff put together this list of potential places where you can volunteer at this holiday season. Consider giving the unique gift of volunteerism to others in need at these organizations.
Family Tree
Family Tree has served the Denver metro area since 1976 and provides services designed to end child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness.
The organization has many options for individuals and groups to get involved with its programs, including volunteering or providing financial support that it says supports services for families and children in the Denver metro area.
To learn more about volunteering and other opportunities through Family Tree, visit https://thefamilytree.org/Holidays-Hope.
Volunteers of America Colorado
Volunteers of America Colorado has plenty of opportuni- ties to make a difference on an older adult and those who are experiencing homelessness.
The organization’s website reads that it is in need for volunteer substitute drivers for its Meals on Wheels Program around the holidays. The program provides delivered meals to homebound seniors. Those who are interested in doing a route and delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels Program can email mowvolunteers@voacolorado.org with the subject line “Holiday Volunteer.”
Volunteers of America Colorado also serves people experiencing homelessness, especially during the winter. The organization put together an Amazon Wishlist that contains items like clothing, glasses, first aid kits, water bottles, and more that are all donated to Volunteers of America Colorado’s cliental. Visit voacolorado.org/holidays to find the Amazon Wishlist and for more opportunities to get involved with Volunteers of America Colorado.
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver Rescue Mission has multiple locations that helps to restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness and addiction through emergency services, rehabilitation, transitional programs, and community outreach.
The organization offers three types of volunteer opportunities that include short-term, change makers and internships.
Short-term volunteer opportunities with Denver Rescue Mission include serving meals, providing warehouse support, court-ordered community service, and more. Change makers require more commitment and give volunteers a chance to serve on a regular basis through mentoring adults or youth, teaching job skills, providing spiritual services, and more. Internships are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
To find more information about volunteering with Denver Rescue Mission, visit https://denverrescuemission.org/volunteer/.
A Little Help
A Little Help is a nonprofit organization that helps older adults connect to neighbors who help them remain independent and age in place.
The organization offers plenty of different volunteer choices like driving people to appointments and other necessary places like grocery stores, grocery shopping, light cleaning and home organizing, snow shoveling, computer/ technology help, and much more.
To get started with A Little help, find a volunteer application at https://www.alittlehelp.org/application-volunteering.
