Latina Safehouse

Denver’s Latina SafeHouse provides bilingual and culturally sensitive services to Latina survivors of domestic violence. Statistics show that one in three Latinas are victims of domestic abuse, and through two main programs—Comadres Unidas (Friends United) and La Fuerza de La Mujer (The Strength of a Woman)—Latina SafeHouse provides community navigation and advocacy resources to remind Latina survivors that they are not alone. This holiday season, you can support Latina SafeHouse by volunteering at fundraising events or as a Crisis Line Advocate. You can also fundraise to support the organization through community rewards programs, make a donation, or become a sponsor to help provide transportation, clothes, or household items and amenities for women in need.

Period Kits Denver

Period Kits
Each Period Kit contains: 40 tampons, 20 pads, 1 pack of personal wipes, and 6 pairs of underwear. Photo courtesy of Period Kits

Period Kits provides a 90-day supply of period products to those experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, and extreme poverty—so people don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and necessary hygiene products. You can support the Thornton-based nonprofit by making a monetary or product donation (double check that the drop-off sites are open due to COVID-19 restriction before going), or volunteering for kit building, donation pick-ups, blog writing, and more. 12150 Washington Center Parkway, Thornton

Denver Rescue Mission

Denver Rescue Mission
Photo courtesy of Denver Rescue Mission

For 128 years, the Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) has helped Denverites who are experiencing homelessness and addiction by providing services, rehabilitation, and community outreach. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the DRM is in urgent need of help for their meal service shifts. Volunteers can sign up for a shift at various locations across Denver, including the Lawrence Street Community Center, The Crossing, 48th Avenue Shelter, the Ministry Outreach Center, as well as the Denver Coliseum Auxiliary Shelter, which was opened in the spring to provide additional space to shelter individuals throughout the pandemic. If you can’t help in person, there are other ways to give, including monetary and goods donations, donor-advised funds, and stock donations.

Denver Santa Clause Shop

“A toy for every boy and girl” is the Denver Santa Claus Shop’s mission. With furloughs and layoffs affecting a lot of families, you can help make sure children in need—infants through age 11—have a present to open this holiday season by offering a monetary donation (online or by mail) or purchasing new toys through the organization’s Amazon wishlist. This year marks the Santa Claus Shop’s 90th anniversary, but unfortunately due to COVID-19, the elves are not accepting any used toys or any new or used stuffed animals. Denver Santa Claus Shop, P.O. Box 102104 

Howliday Market & Silent Auction

Beautiful Paws 2021 Calendar. Calendar created by Gaelle Pet Photography

The Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) has the perfect gifts for the animal lovers in your life. The Howliday Market & Silent Auction offers pet-themed presents and premium gift items available to bid on or purchase between now and December 5, including Broncos Memorabilia, spa gift certificates, hotel stays, pampering gift baskets for pets and people, and more. In addition, Gaelle Pet Photography created a calendar filled with professional photography of local cats and dogs which can be purchased online. Proceeds from the auction and the calendar will go to the DAS and Denver Animal Protection, which help over 12,000 animals a year with veterinary care, spay and neuter services, medical care, and foster care.

Food Bank of the Rockies

Help those in need of food assistance by donating your time to the Food Bank of the Rockies. With many time shifts available and COVID-19 restrictions in mind, volunteers are split up into teams throughout their two warehouses and the food is then distributed through their different programs and partner agencies, such as a Mobile Pantry, Kids Cafe, Food Rescue, and more. You must be 14 years old or older to volunteer. If you are short on time, you can also donate food, funds, and even host your own drive. Main Facility–10700 E. 45th Ave, Nome Facility– 3900 Nome St. Unit T