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. Consider volunteering at the Denver Animal Shelter, where you can spend time with animals in need or even sign up to foster a pet. What could be better than spending your afternoons with furry friends? If you're looking for something the whole family can do together, sign up for the Turkey Trot or Lil Gobbler Mile Fun Run on November 28, benefiting Mile High United Way. Proceeds from the event help ensure children receive a strong start in education, creating pathways for long-term success. If you're looking to get your workplace involved, gather your team and volunteer at SAME Cafe, a pay-what-you-can restaurant that provides meals to the community regardless of ability to pay. Your team can work together to prep and cook meals, all while supporting an organization dedicated to ending food insecurity for fellow Denverites 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. Individually, you can support Undestructable Denver, a nonprofit focused on helping women escape domestic violence, by purchasing a propagation station - a great way to add some greenery to your space while also donating to a great cause. If the family is in need of new furniture, stop by The Other Side Furniture Boutique, a second-hand shop run by students and graduates of The Other Side Academy. Your purchase helps fund their life-skills training program, which assists individuals returning after incarceration or significant life challenges. As a workplace, your team can support families in need by donating to the Newcomers Fund with Rose Community Foundation, which assists immigrant and refugee families as they settle into new lives. Your financial support can help these families access critical resources as they build a foundation in our community.
A simple yet impactful way to give back is through physical donations. On your next grocery shop, consider purchasing a few extra items to donate to your local Denver Community Fridge, a mutual aid project fighting food insecurity and combating food waste. Similarly, A Precious Child is accepting donations of gently used clothes, shoes, and toys to assist families in need, helping break the cycle of poverty. For workplaces looking to make a more personal impact, consider adopting a family through There with Care for the holidays. This initiative provides much-needed support to families going through medical crises, helping them to celebrate the season by providing essentials.
If you're unsure where to start, mark your calendar for Colorado Gives Day on December 10. 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 foster a more caring and stronger world and make a lasting impact in our local community this season and beyond.