It was out of profound grief for the loss of her daughter Kenzi at 24 weeks that Jessica Bachus generated a way that would honor Kenzi’s memory. She established Dolls for Daughters, where she collected 150+ dolls in her first year to gift to underprivileged girls. From there, she added additional programs to help those throughout our area. And little by little, every dollar and toy donated has added up to make a massive impact. Now, over a decade later, Kenzi’s Causes has helped strengthen the lives of low-income families across the state through its various offerings.
For example, its Packz 4 Kidz Program has sent more than 3,000 students off to school with fully packed backpacks. Its Toy Shops Programs have gifted more than 15,000 lucky kiddos with presents each year, and its Kenzi’s Kidz Program positively impacts six families annually, offering fundamental items to succeed such as access to extracurricular activities, beds, jackets, educational supplies, food, and financial planning services for parents.
Leveraging a combination of major fundraising events and local community events, Kenzi’s Causes can provide additional help to thousands of kids. Just last year alone, its annual holiday toy drive provided a new toy (and so much more) to 15,031 children!
Bachus says that one of the best parts of creating Kenzi’s Causes is knowing that her daughter Kenzi is always with her. It helps her to know she’s changing the lives of disadvantaged children in Colorado. She says, “I love being able to see the impact we have, the smiles on the faces of the families we serve and knowing that people are thankful for the work we do.”
How to Help Today
The best way people can help the organization continue to do the good work they are doing is via monetary donations on its website or by mailing a check. Bachus says, “Because of COVID, we are in need of financial donations to ensure we can serve 15,000 children across the state.”
She adds if people prefer picking out a new toy for a child, they can shop their Amazon Wish List (via a button on their homepage) or they can drop new items off at one of their drop-off locations across the state.
Holiday Toy Shops
Pop-ups shops are one-day annual events, offering both large and small new toys for kids ages birth to 18. Toys not only bring joy to little ones, it helps brighten their hope for the future.
First Saturday this December:
+ Denver
+ Fort Collins
+ Rifle
+ Colorado Springs
Second Saturday this December:
+ Longmont
+ Pueblo
64.7% of the families served last year had an annual household income of $20K or less.