The challenges we’ve faced this year have been unlike any other. From social distancing measures, to restrictions on group sizes, to insurmountable loss. It seems like the gloominess of the year has made us eager to start holiday planning earlier with decorations, lights, buying gifts, and getting in the spirit of giving back. Giving back is at the core of what we do at Delta Dental of Colorado, so this year especially, we want to encourage those who are able, to spread some of that joy to our fellow Coloradans who may not be as fortunate. We’re highlighting a few organizations who need our help in order to help those who need it most this holiday season.
Here are two high-need ways to help give back this holiday season:
1. DONATE FOOD
Food is often the center of attention during the holidays. If you’re fortunate enough to not have to think about where your holiday meals will be coming from, consider donating a meal (or two) to those who aren’t as lucky as you. This year, Colorado and Denver based food banks are in dire need of food donations due to the economic impact caused by the pandemic. Many local food banks have seen a three-fold increase in need with an overwhelming number of first-time clients. Here are four Denver and Colorado based food banks who could really use your support this holiday season and beyond:
Metro Caring – www.metrocaring.org
As Denver’s frontline anti-hunger organization, Metro Caring works with our community to meet people’s immediate need for nutritious food while building a movement to address the root causes of hunger. Metro Caring offers innovative programming in Healthy Foods Access, Nutrition Education and Cooking Classes, ID Procurement, Urban Gardening, and Community Activation. Since the start of the health and economic crisis of COVID-19, Metro Caring has seen the need for access to nutritious food grow by 300%.
Care and Share Foodbank of Southern Colorado – www.careandshare.org
Care and Share exists to ensure that the one in eight Southern Coloradans at risk of hunger have access to enough healthy and nutritious food to thrive. We know that children without adequate access to food cannot develop successfully, families cannot plan for their future, and seniors find it more difficult to remain independent.
Foodbank of the Rockies – www.foodbankrockies.org
Foodbank of the Rockies helps families thrive by efficiently procuring and distributing food and essentials to the hungry through our programs and partner agencies.
The Action Center – www.theactioncenter.org
The Action Center’s goal is to provide clients with a continuum of services to meet their current needs and become self-sufficient. It is through the tireless effort of our volunteers, dedication of our professional staff, and generous donations from our amazing community that The Action Center provides hope and assistance with dignity and break the cycle of poverty.
2. VOLUNTEER
What better way to show how thankful you are this season than by giving back to those in need? There are lots of ways to get involved with your community. A great place to start is by contacting Mile High United Way, an organization that supports Coloradans with education, health, and financial needs. They are providing a number of virtual volunteer opportunities to help support social distancing guidelines. For additional info on virtual volunteer opportunities, click here:
https://volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org/search/virtual
There are many other ways in which you can support your community whether you’re able to financially or with your time. We encourage you to research organizations that work within your preferred areas of interest and reach out. They’re always happy to hear from people within the community eager to help!
To learn more about what the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is doing to support our community, CLICK HERE