As the leaves change and the chilly nights of November begin to settle, many of us turn to the comforts of the season: warming up with soups and teas, cozy nights spent with loved ones, and looking forward to the joy that the holidays bring. Yet, November also marks the beginning of something even more special: the season of giving. It's a time when we reflect on our good fortune and consider how we can help others who may be less fortunate. In this spirit, we've created a Giving Back Guide with nine meaningful ways for you, your family, or your work team to make a difference in our community.
For those with time to volunteer this season, getting involved firsthand can be incredibly rewarding. A great place to begin is volunteering at Community Food Share, a nonprofit partnered with Feeding America. This established nonprofit delivers over 27,000 meals a day to individuals and families in need. By preparing, serving, or delivering meals, you can help make someone's day a little bit brighter. For a family-friendly activity, Growing Gardens offers educational opportunities in sustainable agriculture and food donation programs. Whether it's a family day of giving back or an independent project for teens, Growing Gardens has something for everyone. If you're looking to get your workplace involved, There With Care offers an engaging team-building opportunity through their Team Chop Program, where your team can come together to prepare meals for families facing medical crises. It's a perfect way to bond with your colleagues while easing the burden for those in need.
We understand that the holiday season can be a busy time. For those unable to volunteer in person, direct donations are another excellent way to give back. One simple way is grabbing your coffee at The Café at the Jewish Community Center, where proceeds benefit Boulder Bridge House. This nonprofit connects individuals experiencing homelessness with housing and employment opportunities. You can also consider donating to There With Care, which provides essential services to families during medical crises. Your donation will help ease everyday burdens, offering families support during one of life's most challenging times. For businesses looking to make an impact, consider donating to support Rise Against Suicide. Since 2009, this local organization has been working to aid at-risk youth by removing financial and social barriers to treatment for suicide, empowering hope and healing. Together, your team's donation can ensure that every child has access to the mental health treatment they deserve.
Physical donations are another impactful way to give back. Consider donating to One World Running, which collects gently used running shoes to distribute to communities in need across Africa. A Precious Child also accepts gently used clothes, shoes, and toys. These donations aid Colorado families struggling to break the cycle of poverty. For workplaces, organizing a company-wide clothing drive can be both fun and meaningful. Teams can support the Emergency Family Assistance Association, which accepts food, personal care items, and home goods for those seeking financial stability. Encourage team members to clean out their pantries and closets - you could even make it a friendly competition, offering a prize for the team member who donates the most accepted items!
If you're unsure where to start, mark your calendar for Colorado Gives Day on December 10th. This annual event allows you to donate to multiple nonprofits in one simple transaction, making it easy for families and individuals to support causes close to their hearts. With over 600,000 donors, you, your family, and your team can help make a difference in the lives of many.
The holidays are a time for gratitude, and by giving back in any of these ways, you can help foster a more caring and stronger world, making a lasting impact in our local community this season and beyond.