Now that Thanksgiving is over, many of us are turning our attention to the next holiday on the calendar, which for most of us, is Christmas. The holiday, touted as a time of giving, often focuses so much on giving pricey gifts to loved ones, but what about those in Boulder — and across the Front Range — who are less fortunate than so many of us are? What about those who struggle every day? What can we do to help these people have a brighter Christmas?
Every year on December 10, Colorado has an amazing day of giving called Colorado Gives Day, on which residents of Colorado are encouraged to give donations to the nonprofits that help make Colorado such an amazing state. Here are five Boulder charities that could definitely use your help this holiday season.
Attention Homes – For so many children, Christmas is a time of wonder and togetherness, but some teens experience the exact opposite. Attention Homes provides around 100 abused, neglected, homeless or recovering teens with services that range from residential treatment to counseling and safe shelter. Donate to Attention Homes today to provide a teen with a safe, warm home for the holidays.
Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence – It’s heartbreaking to know that there are women and children out there that suffer from physical and/or mental abuse at the hands of someone who is supposed to love and protect them. SPAN provides the brave women and children who escape these abusive relationships with emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and a host of other services. Donating to SPAN can help save the life of a woman and her children.
Boulder Shelter for the Homeless – Being without a home during the holidays is something no one should have to experience, but the sad fact of the matter is that it is a reality for many people. Boulder Shelter for the Homeless works to provide a safe place to eat and sleep for some of Boulder’s transient population. They also provide transitional services for residents that want to move on to something more permanent. Boulder Shelter for the Homeless offer a unique way to give by allowing people to “Adopt a Night” at the shelter. For under $500 you can provide safe, warm housing and two meals for 160 homeless men and women.
Bridge House – Formerly known as the Carriage House, this organization also helps homeless men and women not only find a place to sleep at night and a couple of meals a day, but it also works hard to find these people with jobs so that they can find their way out of their current situation. By donating to Bridge House, you’re helping people get back on their feet.
Flood Relief – This year, there are still many families that will be unable to celebrate Christmas the way that they used to due to the devastation caused by flooding throughout Boulder County a few months ago. While it may no longer be front page news, many people still need assistance and could greatly benefit from some holiday cheer. Help Colorado Now has a great list of local charities that are offering flood relief and assistance to those in need.
This is, of course, just a very short list of the numerous wonderful charities in and around Boulder. Visit the Colorado Gives site to read all about the numerous other charities that would love your support this holiday season.
