The CSU Extension Office of La Plata County is partnering with Steamworks Brewing Co. for the second year in a row to deliver meals to 100 families in the county. The Extension Office has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for meals and holiday decorations.
The fundraiser is collecting money to pay for ingredients for chicken enchiladas and pozole as well as salad, cookies and decorations.
Darrin Parmenter, CSU Extension Southwest Region and interim co-regional director, said the people at the Extension Office saw a need to help struggling families in December 2020 when the pandemic was at full strength.
The pandemic is almost at full strength again this December, Parmenter said, and the Extension Office is partnering with Steamworks Brewing Co. again to help 100 families.
“That (the holidays) can be kind of a stressful time, especially if you have kids,” he said. “To try to provide presents and trees and decorations and meals and take time off work because they’re off of school.”
Parmenter said the goal is to relieve at least one night of stress for struggling families. The Extension Office and Steamworks’ efforts last year reached 100 families across the county, and he said they can just as easily reach 100 more families this year.
“It’s just an opportunity to give them a holiday meal with the family,” he said.
Families can sign up for a meal at tinyurl.com/givingcheer.
Volunteers will deliver the meals Dec. 21. Families will also be able to pick up meals at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Kids in the Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program are also baking cookies and preparing decorations to give to families along with the meals.
“Steamworks is awesome in that they’re doing the vast majority of prep and assembly for all this because they have that kitchen and that ability,” Parmenter said.
He said the Extension Office is trying to offset some of the costs Steamworks will incur with the meals because they aren’t cheap. Any excess money will contribute to additional gifts for the families being served.
“Last year, we were able to give $25 City Market gift cards with everybody’s meal,” Parmenter said.
The CSU Extension has raised $700 out of a goal of $2,000 on GoFundMe as of noon Friday.
Visit the Go Fund Me at https://bit.ly/3ENAVAs.
cburney@durangoherald.com
