Denver is a big city with a small-town instinct to help. But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, so we’ve broken it down. Giving back comes in three currencies: time, money, and resources. And it comes from three angles: as an individual, as a family, or as a business. Whatever you have to give, there's a spot for it here.
Food Bank of the Rockies
FoodBankRockies.org
The region's largest hunger relief organization, distributing food across 32 Colorado counties and the state of Wyoming, Food Bank of the Rockies opened a new 270,000-square-foot distribution center in Aurora this February, tripling its volunteer capacity to 300 people a day. Shifts welcome ages 10 and up (kids under 16 need an adult with them), making it one of the easiest family outings on this list. Volunteer solo or with a group, donate food, or start a virtual fund drive. Cash goes furthest: Every $1 provides the equivalent of three meals.
A Precious Child
Time
APreciousChild.org
Holiday gifts and backpacks before the school year, plus clothing, hygiene items, and diapers throughout the year. This Broomfield-based nonprofit serves 50,000 children and 17,000 caregivers annually across eight Denver Metro counties, and it welcomes individuals, families, and corporate teams as volunteers. At the holidays, its Precious Gift program lets you play Santa by sponsoring holiday gifts for children. Workplaces can even register a drive.
Denver Community Church
ProjectRenew.org
Project Renew is the Denver Community Church's justice and peacemaking arm, and it opens its doors to people who never attend a service. Twenty percent of every dollar given to the church funds its partnerships. Its Get Involved page lists learning experiences, service opportunities, and ways to give, handy for any household looking to learn about the city and serve it together.
SAME Café
SoAllMayEat.org
There are no prices on the menu at So All May Eat, so guests pay what they can, volunteer for half an hour, or bring produce in exchange for a meal. On East Colfax since 2006, the café also runs a job training program called Cook to Work, and some graduates have gone on to steady work and stable housing. It’s open weekdays from 11 am to 2:30 pm, so it’s an easy lunch stop for a family or a work team. Ask your HR department about the employer match, which can cover donations and volunteer hours.
Rose Andom Center
RoseAndomCenter.org
Colorado's first family justice center brings more than 20 partner agencies under one roof, so survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can find help in one safe place. Its most-needed donations are grocery store gift cards and bus passes, which help survivors rebuild a household from nothing, and businesses can donate goods or ask about other ways to give. Individuals can sign up as Hope Coaches, mentoring youth ages 7 to 16 in group outings for 3 to 4 hours a month. Coaches must be 18 or older, pass a background check, and complete a 20-hour training academy.