Unique Gifts for the holidays Part IV of V
It’s the season of giving, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays than by extending a helping hand to those in need?
As holiday decorations adorn our homes and the air is filled with the melody of holiday tunes, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone has the privilege of enjoying a warm, festive holiday celebration. As a community, this is a great time of year to come together and make a difference in the lives of those who could use a little extra support.
During the craziness of holiday shopping and party planning, it’s important to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season — compassion, generosity, and selflessness. If you can afford to do so, there are plenty of places and organizations worth donating to that are working to make our community a better place.
Whether you choose to support a cause that holds extra value in your heart or engage in creative acts of kindness, there are countless ways to contribute to the well-being of others. Here are some heartwarming ways to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories of generosity for both givers and receivers alike.
Support at-risk individuals at Lakewood’s Action Center
The Action Center in Lakewood helps Coloradans meet their current needs and become self-sufficient. Each year, the organization serves over 7,000 households by providing clothing items, food, financial assistance, and much more.
To make its mission possible, the Action Center relies on the support of the community to help meet its needs and support its clients. Currently, the organization is accepting donations of fresh, non-perishable food items, hygiene items, clean and washed seasonal clothing and matched socks, blankets and sheets, infant items, and more.
To learn more about ways to support the Action Center and the at-risk Coloradans the organization serves, visit https://theactioncenter.org/donate/.
Assisting migrants in the city
The City of Denver is currently hosting a holiday gift drive for migrant children until Dec. 18.
The city is seeking donations of music devices, books, sports apparel for teenagers, Legos, dolls, board games, toys for toddlers, and more. Gifts should be easily transportable and cost less than $25. From now until Dec. 18, you can donate holiday gifts to migrant children Mondays through Thursdays at the city’s workforce centers.
Areas to drop off gifts are at the Arie P. Taylor Municipal Building (4685 Peoria St., Suite 251) and the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building (201 W. Colfax Ave.).
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver
The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver is seeking new and unwrapped toys for children between the ages of 5 to 18. Gift ideas include electronics (headphones, video games, tablets, etc.), sports equipment (bikes, Colorado sports team gear, balls, etc.), art supplies, books and games, and other toys like Lego and Pokémon cards.
Donations can be made at toy bins at the storefront of more than 100 particpating King Soopers or at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver’s main office at 2017 W. 9th Ave. in Denver between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those who want to make a donation at the office should call 303-892-9200 ahead of time.
Children’s Hospital
At the Children’s Hospital, staff rely on donations of new toys, books, stuffed animals, craft materials and other gifts throughout the year. These items are kept in playrooms to help children and their families feel at home, while therapist and child life specialists use the donations as part of a child’s treatment plan. This is because play supports a child’s healing process and eases stressful experiences for families.
The Children’s Hospital of Colorado is seeking dona- tions for children of all ages, but newborns, infants, toddlers, and adolescents are the groups in the greatest needs. You can donate items at various locations throughout the metro area and Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org/community/support-childrens-colorado/make-an-in-kind-donation/.
