One of the reasons I love our neighborhood so much is because of the kind-hearted nature of so many people here. I’ve never seen a community rally around one another when someone is in need, or support people or groups, quite like this community does. So with the holidays around the corner, we wanted to share some of the many opportunities there are around town to give back and support some incredibly worthy causes.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
With food prices on the rise, Food Bank of the Rockies is a vital resource for people facing food insecurity. They provide food and necessities to communities across Colorado and have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including packing pallets to distribute to food pantries and sorting donations.
Can kids contribute? Some volunteer tasks are open to anyone ages 10 and up.
This organization works to end hunger by making fresh, nutritious food accessible to everyone in the community. One of their key programs is Fresh Foods Market, a free, grocery-store-style market where families can make one appointment a month to shop for produce, meat, dairy products and pantry staples. Depending on the shift, volunteers might sort donated food, stock shelves, welcome shoppers, or help people navigate the market.
Can kids contribute? They offer volunteer shifts for people aged 14 and up.
This organization, which delivers thousands of medically-tailored meals made from scratch to people undergoing medical treatment, is in urgent need of drivers. Receiving the meals helps recipients to stay healthier, pay for their medical treatments, and remain independently in their homes.
Can kids contribute? Volunteers in the kitchen must be 16 or up, or 18 or up for shifts with chopping. Check their other opportunities for kids with adult supervision.
CHILDREN
Judi’s House provides help for children facing the toughest circumstances imaginable: the loss of a loved one. The organization focuses on childhood bereavement, and can use volunteers to support clients and staff running support groups, help with serving meals before sessions, perform home and grounds maintenance, and even donate quilting. Read about the opportunities and fill out an interest form here.
Can kids contribute? Kids as young as 11 can help with dinner service as part of the nourishment program.
Anchor Center for Blind Children
This worthy group right here in the neighborhood works to support blind children from birth to age five, with special education, speech and occupational therapy, and family coaching. They can use help with special events, administrative front office tasks, seeking donations and more—fill out the form here to get more information on how you can help!
Can kids contribute? They don’t have a specific age requirement, but determine on a case by case basis whether older kids can volunteer with adult supervision.
This organization serves families with a child going through a medical crisis, bringing more than 80 families a week essentials like groceries, baby supplies, gas cards, and more. Volunteers pick up packages of essentials and schedule with the families in need to organize a dropoff.
Can kids contribute? Drivers must be 18 or older.
NATURE
This absolute treasure in our neighborhood is the city’s largest open space managed as a native habitat and its only nonprofit nature center. They have a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including easy one-time commitments like their “Weed Warriors” invasive plant removal program and longer-term land stewardship programs perfect for bigger groups.
Can kids contribute? The one-time opportunities are “for all levels and ages (with adult supervision.)”
Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
Their mission is to protect, maintain and enhance the nearly 13-mile Sand Creek Regional Greenway that runs through our neighborhood. They run volunteer projects the first Saturday of every month except January; projects focus on graffiti abatement, trash removal, and more.
Can kids contribute? Check each project’s specific details to be sure, but they generally welcome all members of the community.
ANIMALS
This group, dedicated to ending pet homelessness and animal suffering, offers the chance to work directly with animals. Volunteering can include cleaning cat or dog kennels, walking dogs, or adoption support. They run a fostering program
Can kids contribute? Onsite volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with some assignments reserved for people 18 and up. For younger kids, check out Tales for Tails events, where kids in third grade through high school can read to dogs or horses as a way to socialize the animals while practicing their reading skills.
The shelter, run by the city and county of Denver, cares for lost, abandoned and surrendered pets while working to reunite animals with their families and find them new homes. Volunteering can include animal care or adoption support, or fostering cats or dogs, usually because they are underweight puppies or kittens or adult animals with medical conditions.
Can kids contribute? They have a wide variety of opportunities specifically for kids 8 and up, including animal care, fundraising, and crafting.
Their onsite volunteer opportunities may be a bit far from Central Park for most folks, but we had a wonderful experience fostering a puppy through this organization last year. And if you have a soft spot for furry friends…Our neighborhood has a fantastic Facebook group for sharing foster opportunities and other ways to help animals in need, which is where we spotted Bandit!
Can kids contribute? Big Bones’ onsite volunteer work is for adults only, but obviously kiddos can help out if you are able to foster a dog!
A VARIETY OF CAUSES
The Give5 Mile High program, kicked off in Mayor Mike Johnston’s 2024 State of the City address and run by First Lady of Denver Courtney Johnston, encourages Denver residents to volunteer five hours every month, With the goal of helping others while bringing the community together, the group organizes its own events to make that goal easy to achieve. You can sign up for their newsletter to get updates on all the latest opportunities, such as an October 10th event with the Denver Women’s Commission. Volunteers will pack prepare pantry boxes at the Rose Andom Center, Denver’s domestic violence and sexual assault support center.
Can kids contribute? Check specific event details to be sure, but one goal of the program is to create opportunities where kids can give back, too.
Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours volunteering, get your kids involved in helping the community, or make a financial contribution, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. And if there’s another cause close to your heart that we should cover, share it with me in the comments or shoot me an email!
