Beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing into the New Year, the last months of each year remind us of our collective blessings. For many, that list lacks sufficient resources to meet basic needs. Individuals, families and organizations whose existence is one of limited means are bolstered by others’ generosity, and the holiday season is an excellent time to demonstrate that trait. There are abundant options for doing so.
The Salvation Army has deployed its battalion of bell-ringers throughout La Plata County, installing the iconic holiday fixtures at local grocery, liquor and drug stores in the days leading up to Christmas. More than 600 bell-ringers in 2013 gathered about $120,000 for Salvation Army of La Plata County – money that funds emergency assistance for locals in need of money for food, transportation, rent or other critical items. Placing a handful of change or bills into the red kettles can make a huge difference for someone facing impossible choices for themselves and their families.
Aside from retail giving opportunities, there are higher-level ways to contribute to local nonprofits. Colorado Gives Day is a 24-hour online donation marathon scheduled for Tuesday. The Community First Foundation will offer a $1 million match, divided by percentage among the Colorado nonprofits that receive contributions on Tuesday. The philanthropic opportunity will reach nine local organizations: United Way of Southwest Colorado, Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County, the La Plata County Humane Society, Mountain Studies Institute, Durango Adaptive Sports Association, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Colorado, Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County, Great Old Broads for Wilderness and Music in the Mountains. Donors can visit www.coloradogives.org to contribute, via Colorado Gives Day, to any or all of these important local nonprofits that provide essential services for our community.
While the 24-hour give-a-thon does not officially begin until 12 a.m. Tuesday, donors can pre-schedule their contributions now. Do so: The nine local organizations that are approved for the daylong fund-drive need to leverage all the dollars they can, and the Community First Foundation’s $1 million incentive will mean all local contributions go just a bit farther for these groups, meaning their budgets can too.
Whether giving to Salvation Army bell-ringers, through online fundraising campaigns, or through traditional year-end charity campaigns, add contributions to those in need to your holiday to-do list. The value to givers and recipients is incalculable.
