Each year, the Carroll-Kessler Team of Keller Williams Avenues hosts a Thanksgiving Food Drive that truly reflects the spirit of giving back to the Arvada community. This month, Jordan and Katie Kessler share their connection to Arvada and why supporting the community year-round, but especially during the holidays, means so much.
What makes Arvada so special to you personally and professionally?
As Colorado natives, we both appreciate how Arvada has grown while still feeling like a hometown. We grew up here, and now we’re raising our own kids here, so those connections mean a lot to us. We love running into familiar faces and seeing neighbors show up for one another. Professionally, one of the most rewarding parts of real estate is helping other families put down roots in a community we’re proud to call home.
Why is it important to you to give back to the community?
We’ve always believed in coming from a place of contribution. Arvada is where we live, raise our kids, and work, and we want to help care for the people who make it special. Giving back together as a family is also a way to show our kids how much even a small act of kindness can mean to someone. We hope that stays with them as they grow.
How are you involved in giving back throughout the year?
Throughout the year, we support local schools, organize neighborhood gatherings, and create opportunities for people to support local causes. Our Portraits in the Park event raises money for Hope Chest, and Pictures with Santa includes a toy drive supporting Arvada Fire’s Operation Santa. Jordan also serves on the Arvada Police Foundation board. We enjoy bringing people together and making it easy for them to participate in something meaningful.
How did the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive begin and who benefits?
Jordan started the food drive in 2018 in the Arvada neighborhood where Katie grew up. We later supported a local K–8 school until it closed, and today our donations benefit Community Table, a resource many families in our community rely on. What keeps us coming back each year is how willing our neighbors, clients, and friends are to help. We organize the collection, but they’re the ones who make it possible. It’s become a tradition we look forward to every Thanksgiving.
Why is the Thanksgiving Food Drive important?
A few extra groceries can make a real difference for a family. Beyond the food drive, serving our community starts with how we treat each other. Checking on a neighbor, lending a hand, or simply being kind can mean more than we realize. Those everyday acts of kindness are a big part of what makes Arvada special.
How can the community get involved?
We have a big goal this year: to beat last year’s collection of 1,700 pounds of food! From November 7 through 17, readers can drop off nonperishable items in our collection bin at CO Tap House and enjoy a drink or bite to eat while they’re there. If you’d prefer to make a monetary donation, email carrollkesslerteam@gmail.com for details, and we’ll do the shopping for you.