With the New Year comes new beginnings. The best way to start afresh is to take time for selfless deeds. Here are a few events and causes that will help you start the New Year right.

Events to Attend

Food Bank of the Rockies Film Screening: Calling all Star Wars junkies: Catch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in a private screening that doubles as a benefit for the Food Bank of the Rockies. The $10 ticket includes the flick, medium popcorn and soda, a 2017 Harkins Loyalty Cup (which can be used for $1.50 soda refills), and an adult ticket for another movie at Harkins Theatre. Best of all, your $10 will help provide 40 meals to those who are served by the Food Bank of the Rockies, which has been serving the community since 1978. May the force be with them. Thursday, January 5, doors at 6 p.m., movie at 7 p.m.; Harkins Northfield 18 Theater, 8300 Northfield Blvd.; $10

Winter Blanket Drive: During the first two weeks of January, you can aide in warming up those who are less fortunate by dropping off your gently used shawls, quilts, blankets, or duvets at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Donations should be dropped off any time before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., seven days a week. Bonus: If you’re looking for a way to give back with your company in the new year, try cooking and serving a meal for 150 people at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. For more information, contact donor relations and event manager, Caroline, at 303-468-4326 or email her at caroline@bouldershelter.org. January 1–14, anytime; Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, 4869 N. Broadway, Boulder

Causes to Care About

Dumb Friends League: If you resolved to help the helpless in 2017, get started at the Dumb Friends League. As the largest animal welfare facility in the Rocky Mountain region (the organization has three locations: Quebec Street in Denver, the Buddy Center in Castle Rock, and the Harmony Equine Center in Franktown), the DDFL offers opportunities to both foster animals and volunteer at their centers. You can make a difference by taking care of an animal for up to eight weeks as a foster, walking dogs at your local shelter, working with and cleaning up after horses, or providing a wonderful fur-ever home when you find your perfect match. Volunteers usually dedicate about three hours a week—that’s all you need to make a difference. Find out more and get started at ddfl.org.

The Boulder County Respite and Companion Volunteer Program: More than 43 million people care for the elders in their family or loved ones who have developmental disabilities. But these caregivers often need a respite from those duties. By volunteering at the Boulder County Respite and Companion Volunteer Program, you will be screened, trained, and matched with a companion who is going through social isolation or experiencing some form of health issue. For two hours each week you can make a difference for a family by doing hands-on activities like shopping, listening to music, going outside, or simply having a conversation. Your involvement will help give caretakers the break they need—and deserve. For more information, call 720-864-6526 or email infoRespite@bouldercounty.org. bouldercounty.org