On a late autumn afternoon in Littleton, Cindy Hathaway settles in at Dirt Coffee, the smell of roasted beans in the air, and the topic of the hour is generosity. Hathaway is not only the Executive Director of Western Welcome Week but also chairs the Littleton Business Chamber’s Community Engagement committee and knows the value of philanthropy and what even a small year-end gift can mean to local nonprofits. While sipping her latte, she reflects on what makes this city special: its people, neighborhoods, and countless organizations that work quietly but powerfully to lift up the community.
"Littleton is fortunate to have so many who contribute and give," Hathaway reflects. "Nonprofits work together in partnerships and collaborations, making it easy to get involved and make a difference. We are stronger together, and these bonds shape who we are as a community." Thinking about all the ways giving back shapes Littleton’s character, year-end giving has a profound impact, not just on the organizations and people who receive support, but on the givers themselves. “Truly, givers gain through joy, connection, and the satisfaction of knowing their generosity strengthens the community they call home.”
December is critical for nonprofits. Studies show roughly 30% of annual giving occurs in December, and nearly a third of organizations raise between a quarter and half of their yearly funds before year-end. Donations help nonprofits plan for the year ahead, sustain vital programs, and respond to evolving community needs. Donors also benefit from year-end tax deductions, complementing the personal and social rewards of giving.
Hathaway probably knows more about the hundreds of nonprofits that call Littleton home than anyone. She’s emphatic that nonprofits are making a real difference, strengthening programs, supporting local people, and creating opportunities that enrich the community. The Littleton Fine Arts Guild, a collective of over 60 local artists whose work spans painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and more, exemplifies that impact. By shopping at the Guild’s Holiday Art Market, visitors can share a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift while directly supporting the artists and programs that bring art to life in Littleton.
Or consider Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary, which provides homes for senior dogs who might otherwise be overlooked. Donations fund veterinary care, rehabilitation, daily enrichment, and hospice support, ensuring these dogs live their golden years with comfort and joy. Contributions also help maintain sensory gardens, play areas, and outreach programs, allowing staff and volunteers to continue creating a warm, nurturing environment. Supporting Pepper’s makes a tangible difference while offering personal rewards of generosity.
For those looking to impact children, North Littleton Promise is another of the many nonprofits making a real difference. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with families in northeast Littleton to support children academically, socially, and spiritually through after-school programs, soccer teams, and summer camps. Built on relationships and trust, their programs give kids a safe place to grow, learn, and discover their potential. Giving to North Littleton Promise is an investment in children, families, and the future of Littleton.
Discovering new organizations like these does more than support a nonprofit, it connects donors to a community of passionate volunteers and neighbors who share their values.
"There is an organization for every type of interest and skill," Hathaway notes. "People give either because they believe in a particular nonprofit’s cause or because they love this community. With so many opportunities, it’s easy to find a way to contribute that aligns with your passions."
Giving this season can take many forms. Financial gifts of any size are meaningful, and platforms like ColoradoGives.org make donating quick and simple. But philanthropy isn’t just about money, volunteering time, sharing professional skills, or donating needed items can be equally transformative. Every act of giving strengthens programs, enriches lives, and offers the giver the deeper rewards of purpose and connection.
As the conversation winds down, Hathaway reflects on how year-end giving sustains the heart of Littleton. “Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared skill helps organizations big and small plan for the future, maintain programs, and serve those in need.” By giving this month, we honor the causes we care about while building a stronger, better, community for the year ahead.
This holiday season, let your generosity shine. By embracing the gift of giving, whether with a favorite nonprofit like North Littleton Promise or the Littleton Fine Arts Guild, a compassionate home like Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary, or a newly discovered organization, your support matters. Together, we can ensure that local nonprofits continue to inspire, uplift, and transform lives long after the holiday lights have dimmed, every contribution counts, and the impact lasts far beyond the season.