In this series, our nonprofit accounting staff share some great ways to give back, support nonprofits, and create good in your local community. With offices in Colorado, Michigan, and the East Coast, Altruic Advisors is connected to many different communities through our remote-working team of auditors and accountants. Today, we’re focusing on opportunities to assist nonprofit organizations near our Colorado headquarters in Denver, Colorado.
Tis the season! That special time of year is upon us - when everyone is giving thanks, stressing over gifts and family politics, enjoying a few extra days off (and some cookies!), and hopefully reflecting on a great year. What a better way to spend a few precious moments of the season than by supporting your local nonprofits? Nothing spreads holiday cheer more than helping others. Whether you’re looking for a quick event to break up your holiday shopping or you’re searching for a more long-term volunteer commitment, here’s a list of some wonderful local organizations who could use a helping hand this year:
Denver Rescue Mission
The Denver Rescue Missions helps people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and addiction along Colorado’s Front Range. This year, the Mission prepared hundreds of meals for their Great Thanksgiving Banquet - but that’s only a fraction of the 900,000 meals the organizations serves each year! With several locations in Denver and Northern Colorado - along with a no-hassle online sign up - it’s easy and convenient to volunteer with the Denver Rescue Mission. Serve meals, work kitchen prep, sort donations, or find other ways to volunteer with their handy Opportunity Calendar.
Warren Village
Warren Village is a housing assistance organization that has operated in Denver since 1974. The organization’s goal is to help low-income, single-parent families make the journey from poverty to self-sufficiency by utilizing a nationally acclaimed two-generation model to break the cycle of homelessness. Warren Village partners with more than 1,000 volunteers each year to help provide direct and indirect support for residents. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring (in classic school subjects or skilled labor), assisting in the after school program, facilitating a life skills class, providing evening childcare, and more. The 2018 Warren Village Holiday Shop takes place on December 15, where current and alumni families are given the opportunity to select gifts for their loved ones free of charge. Day-of volunteers and gift donations are still being accepted, so sign up today!
Volunteers of America: Colorado Branch
Volunteers looking for a one-time or possible long-term opportunity may find a place with the Colorado branch of Volunteers of America. This national organization provides services to vulnerable groups such as at-risk youth, the frail elderly, low-income families, homeless individuals, women and children escaping domestic violence, and many others. The Denver-based Colorado branch has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available to suit your skills and schedule.
SAME Café
SAME Café is the first donation-based, fair exchange, nonprofit restaurant in Denver. Their mission is to create community through healthy food access. Diners can decide how to participate in the community in exchange for their meal: by volunteering for half an hour, or by giving a monetary donation. There are no set prices and no menus - all guests are treated the same, regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to the walk-in volunteer opportunity, SAME Café relies on pre-scheduled volunteers to keep the restaurant running smoothly. Volunteer opportunities include food prep, serving, dish washing, cleaning and maintenance. For those who are having trouble fitting in a time to give back (and could also use a break from those heavy holiday feasts!) this might be the opportunity for you.
Remember, there are many other opportunities to help your fellow human beings this holiday season. Whether you’re volunteering with a neighborhood nonprofit or helping your neighbor put up their lights, this is the perfect time of year to help create good in your community.