WAYS YOU CAN HELP!
-
MAKE A DONATIONList Item 1
Easy! Make a donation and we will purchase the most needed items for you. This is a great way to help and makes it easier for us to make sure we have enough of all the items needed.
-
SHOP OUR REGISTRYList Item 2
We have put everything together on a convenient Amazon gift list. There are items starting at $4 and of all different types. Purchase as much or as little as you are comfortable with donating. EVERYTHING helps!
-
LOVE TO SHOP?List Item 3
If you'd prefer, take a look at the registry and next time you are at the store, grab some items yourself! We have seven different drop-off locations for your convenience. If you need someone to pick up, let us know and we will see what we can do =]
-
DONATE CLOTHINGList Item 4
We will be collecting clothing all month long. Clothing must be clean, new or gently used, and be on the list linked below. Clothing donations can be dropped off at any of our drop-off locations.
-
DIAPER DRIVE
We will also be collecting diapers all month. The need is ENORMOUS right now and our local agencies are unable to keep up with the demand. Diapers can be purchased on our Amazon registry above or bought and taken to one of our drop-off locations.
-
OTHER ITEMS NEEDED
We would love to provide warmth and comfort to some individuals and children who could really use it right now. Check your closets and your kids' rooms! We are collecting books, blankets, stuffed animals and waterbottles. Please note that only clean and new or gently used items will be accepted.
WHY IS THE NEED SO HIGH?
- Over 40,000 migrants have come to Denver in the last year.
- We have the highest per capita level of refugees of any sanctuary city.
- Many are legal asylum seekers trying to save their family from violence and terror in their countries of origin; others are people whose immigration the US government has sponsored, such as the families of those who fought with us against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
- The city has limited resources to ensure the safety of the refugees and those around them. Anything we can do to help, helps the refugees, our city, and our own communities.
- Many of the refugees seeking assistance are families and unaccompanied minors trying to find warmth, shelter and sustenance as they try to get settled into our community.
- Helping people with the basics of daily life gives them the support they need so they have the time and energy to handle the legalities of immigration and process of finding work.
- Although there are shelters and subsidized housing in some cases, most have time limits that are as short as a few days—leaving people to spend most of their time trying to find shelter rather than focusing on learning the language and finding work to support themselves and their families.
QUICK LINKS:
This month-long effort will benefit a number of wonderful non-profit organizations serving people in serious need:
The Delores Project
The Delores Project was established for the purpose of providing safe, comfortable shelter and personalized services to unaccompanied women and transgender individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization also works to end homelessness by advocating for housing solutions. The model of service is one of respect, hospitality and dignity for each individual.
Project Worthmore
Project Worthmore provides programs that foster community, self-sufficiency and increase quality of life among Denver-area refugees.
Project Worthmore offers six comprehensive programs to thousands of refugee clients including a food pantry that feeds approximately 300 refugee families a week. Around half of their staff are from the refugee community, helping them to better listen, empower and support those who have come here to rebuild their lives.
Village Exchange Center
Village Exchange Center is a non-profit organization formed to serve immigrants and refugees in the Aurora/Denver metro area. They serve the needs of upwards of 700 families per week through their Village Pantry. VEC seeks to celebrate cultural and religious diversity by creating an inclusive environment where residents from all backgrounds interact, share, and develop together. The Village Exchange Center offers both youth and adult programs.