Fill your final days of January by giving back—because cocktails taste sweeter when they benefit others.

Events to Attend

Happy Hour and Fashion Show: Here’s your excuse to go to happy hour on a Saturday. The Alliance of Professional Women Outreach Committee is hosting a personal-care item drive to bring necessities like shampoo and deodorant to the residents of Arapahoe House. With more than 40 years of operation in Colorado, Arapahoe House has 11 locations serving individuals and families suffering from substance-abuse problems and addiction. The fashion show will feature New York women’s clothing designer Etcetera. Saturday, 6–8 p.m.; The Beacons Community Space, 2630 E. 3rd Ave.; Tickets are $10 with a donation and $20 without

The Freedom Ball: Dust off your floor-length gowns and tuxedos, because formal attire is encouraged at this family-friendly dinner and dance. Every penny raised benefits The Well House, a faith-based nonprofit that works to reach women and girls who have been trafficked or otherwise sexually exploited, and provide them with shelter and other resources. A student-led group at Regis University teamed up with the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit to host The Ball to raise awareness about sex trafficking in the United States. Ages 13 and up are welcome and, luckily, a dance partner is not required. Friday, 6–10 p.m.; Denver Community Church, 1595 Pearl St.; Ticket prices vary

Causes to Care About

Used Computers Drive: Two do-good organizations have partnered to collect computer electronics that will help create jobs and gift the power of technology to low-income families. We’re talking about Denver’s Hope Tank, an artisan store that donates proceeds to different causes, and Blue Star Recyclers. The latter employs those with disabilities to disassemble and recycle electronics. Also, any computers that can be salvaged will be given to those in need, which makes a big difference (think: homework, job searches, and writing resumes). All computers and laptops donated are safely wiped, eliminating the risk of your personal data or selfies being compromised. (Keep in mind, if you can’t make the January donation, you can drop off your old electronics anytime at Blue Star’s locations in Denver and Colorado Springs.) Bring all January contributions to Hope Tank. 64 S. Broadway; Open daily from 12–7 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue: This shelter facilitated 1,085 adoptions of furry friends in 2015. The no-kill, cage-free nonprofit is entirely dependent on community donations and fundraisers. After almost closing their doors in 2012 due to lack of funding, they have utilized their cat-like resources to stay in the game. “We’re really happy with where we are right now,” Raquel Hartzell, director of operations, told 5280. “We just keep growing.” The shelter is currently doing some remodeling—and they’re looking for volunteers to show up with their painting-overalls on. If you’re a cat lover that hates Home Depot, they also need help with answering phones, planning events, and grant writing. To learn more about helping out at RMFR, view their current wish list of needed supplies or check out volunteer opportunities.

Energy Outreach Colorado: We’ve all had our furnace go out, but usually it’s as simple as a call to the handyman. For some, it’s not that easy. From emergency home furnace repair to help paying the energy bill, the EOC aims to keep low-income families safe and warm at home. This niche nonprofit helps more than 100,000 Colorado households pay their energy bills. Just this month, they installed updates like new refrigerators and boilers to make 357 low-income rental units energy efficient. The upgrades have an impressive, projected annual savings of $63,000 on electric and gas bills. There are many ways to donate and get involved, see how you can help.

To submit your event or organization for inclusion in 5280‘s weekly “Get Involved” column, email getinvolved@5280.com.