VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/DONATIONS NEEDED
Food/clothing drive | Ten participating merchants in Old Colorado City have partnered with Springs Rescue Mission and KILO 94.3 and KRXP 103.9 radio stations during December to collect canned foods and clothing donations during one-hour live radio events. The events are: KILO 94.3 FM, 4 to 5 p.m., Dec. 19, Recess Children’s Clothing, 1721 W. Colorado Ave.; and KILO 94.3 FM, 5 to 6 p.m., Dec. 19, Eve’s Revolution, 1312 W. Colorado Ave.
Participating merchants will have collection bins in their establishments. Info: or 719-631-1822.
School supply/warm clothing/hygiene items drive to benefit needy and homeless students | All State Farm locations in Aurora, and the following State Farm locations in Denver at 7505 E. 35th Ave., Ste. 302; and 4840 Chambers Road, Suite B, are accepting donations of school supplies, coats, hats, gloves, shampoo, deodorant and personal hygiene items until Dec. 14. Supplies will be distributed at Aurora Public Schools prior to the schools’ winter break. As part of this effort, State Farm has partnered with Aurora Public Schools Education Foundation, the Hispanic Christian Chamber of Commerce and Minority Enterprise and Educational Development, a non-profit whose goal is to provide support through scholarships for disadvantaged youth and to fight homelessness in the Denver-Metro area. State Farm will also make a $1,500 donation to the Aurora Public Schools Foundation and MEED for student supplies. Aurora Public Schools will receive $750 to provide Wal-Mart gift cards to be distributed to needy families in the Aurora school district who have been identified by family liaisons. MEED will also receive $750 to be used for supplying backpacks and school supplies to homeless students as needed throughout the school year in winter/spring 2010. Info: info@meedcolorado.org.
Treasure Store volunteers | Volunteers are needed to help with the Hope Communities Treasure Store. Children and families in need will be able to shop for deeply discounted new toys and gift certificates at the Treasure Store on Dec. 15. To volunteer, call Stefan Sjoberg at 612-226-8084 or e-mail Stefan@hopecommunities.org.
Shoe drive | Dr. Rosenthall’s 4th annual Shoe Drive starts immediately and runs through Dec. 15. Donations of gently used and new shoes in all sizes will be collected at the office of Dr. Rosenthall, 4500 E. 9th Ave., Ste. 510. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the office is closed daily from noon to 1 p.m. The collected shoes will be delivered to the Denver Rescue Mission. Info: 303-333-6556.
Toy drive | Bruegger’s Bakeries are collecting new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 15 for the Toys for Tots program to be distributed to less fortunate children. For each toy donated, kids can choose a free meal from Bruegger’s new kids menu. Toys can be dropped off at the following Bruegger’s locations: 2000 S. University Blvd., Denver, 303-777-7600; 817 17th St., Bank Lofts Building, Denver, 303-675-0606; 180 S. Union Blvd., Ste. 101, Lakewood, 303-989-9393; and 1275 E. 1st Ave., Broomfield, 720-274-0410. Contact individual store locations for hours of operation.
Toy drive | Stor-n-Lock Self Storage has joined with the US Marine Corps Reserve to kick off the 2009 Toys for Tots Holiday Collection Drive. There will be Toys for Tots collection boxes at all Colorado Stor-n-Lock locations through Dec. 15. New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at any Stor-n-Lock location from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. The toy drive will benefit thousands of under-privileged children throughout the area this holiday season. Info/store locations: 877-333-7867 or .
Holiday drive for Denver Children’s Home | Signa-A-Rama DTC, 7255 S. Havana St., Ste. 180, is accepting donations of the following items through Dec. 17: hygiene supplies, plastic hangers, twin bed sheets, calculators, gift cards and craft kits. Collected items will be donated to the Denver Children’s Home. For information and a comlete list of needed items, contact Sign-A-Rama DTC at 303-721-8803 or e-mail DTC@SignAramaDTC.com.
Food drive at sporting events | Take a non-perishable food item to the 7 p.m. Dec. 17 University of Denver basketball game or to the 1:30 or 4:30 p.m. Dec. 19 game to receieve a $2 discount on your game ticket. All donated food items will go to the New Life Fellowship Food Pantry. Offer good only at Ritchie Center Ticket Office. Limit one $2 discount per ticket, four discounted tickets per transaction.
Holiday food drive | Planet Beach Contempo Spa locations are collecting donations of non-perishable food items for donation to Food Bank of Colorado. Everyone who donates between now and Dec. 18 will receive free “Spa Cash Rewards.” Locations: Planet Beach Bowles Village, 7735 W. Long Drive, Unit 12, Littleton; or Planet Beach Lakewood, 7660 W. Virginia Ave., Unit B. Info: 720-922-8266 or 303-716-3000.
Holiday food drive | The Thornton Firefighters are hosting an annual holiday food drive. Food donations can be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. now through Dec. 18 at any Thornton fire stations. The food will be given to the Thornton Community Food Bank to be distributed to families in need. Dropoff locations: Fire Station No. 1, 9451 Dorothy Blvd.; Fire Station No. 2, 9667 Huron St.; Fire Station No. 3, 11257 Birch Drive; Fire Station No. 4, 1400 E. 128th Ave.; and Fire Station No. 5; 14051 Colorado Blvd. Food can also be dropped off between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Thornton Community Food Bank, 8970 Hoyt Drive. Info: 303-538-7602.
Doll drive | Dolls for Daughters, a nonprofit organization, is collecting new, unwrapped dolls until Dec. 18 for girls facing homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect. Collected dolls are donated to families served by Denver Children’s Home, SafeHouse Denver, Samaritan House, The Gathering Place, Warren Village and other charities. Dolls for Daughters has partnered with the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and other businesses serving as donors and drop-off locations throughout the metro Denver area and Colorado. Drop-off locations: Gilbert, Ollanik and Komyatte, PC, 5400 Ward Road, Bldg. IV, Ste. 200, Arvada; Sanitas Skincare, 4760 Walnut St., Ste. 105, Boulder; The Law Offices of Peter M. Anderson, 1320 Pearl St., Ste. 120, Boulder; Piggy Roo, 555 Burbank St., Ste. J, Broomfield; Buxton and Luther, 1230 Tenderfoot Hill Road, Ste. 305, Colorado Springs; Bachus and Schanker, 1400 16th St., Ste. 450, Denver; Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, 1888 Sherman St., Ste. 500, Denver; Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla and Sloane, 4601 DTC Blvd., Ste. 300, Denver; Simply Moore, 3000 E. 3rd Ave., No. 4, Denver; Bachus and Schanker, LLC, 123 N. College Ave., Ste. 211, Fort Collins; Metier Law Firm, 4828 S. College Ave., Fort Collins; McFarLand Law Offices, 910 13th St., Ste. 200, Golden; Parson Systems USA, 16100 Table Mountain Pkwy., Ste. 10, Golden; NorthWestern Electrical, 10825 Irma Drive, Northglenn; Law Office of James Croshal, 201 W. 8th St., Ste. 350, Pueblo; and Manuel J. Solano, 12000 N. Washington St., Ste. 310, Thornton. Info: .
Father Woody Wrap Party | Volunteers are needed for the Father Woody Wrap Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel, 1550 Court Place. The Father Woody Wrap Party is a Regis University tradition in which staff, faculty, students and alumni donate hundreds of new gifts and then wrap them in holiday paper to be given to homeless residents of the metro area for Christmas at the Father Woody Christmas Party. Info: vmccabe@regis.edu, 303-458-3572, gleyba@regis.edu, or 303-458-3542.
Bike giveaway | Volunteers are needed for the 4th annual Community Cycles Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway, which will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Boulder Indoor Cycling, 3550 Frontier Ave. Volunteers are needed starting immediately to help sort, clean and prepare bikes for the giveaway; to transport bikes from the Community Cycles shop to Boulder Indoor Cycling Center; and to help on giveaway day. No mechanical experience is necessary. Info: contact Josh Brown at 720-565-6019.
Food drive | Urban Escape Day Spa, 700 12th St., Golden, is accepting donations of non-perishable food items through Dec. 20. All food donations will be given to the Food Bank of the Rockies at the end of the drive. Everyone who makes a donation to the food drive will receive a $10 Urban Escape Day Spa gift card that can be used towards any of their spa services. Info: or 303-278-1709.
Toy drive | New, unwrapped toys for the Western Slope area Toys for Tots program will be accepted until Dec. 23 at the following locations: Big O Tire Stores in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Routt and Delta Counties; all Mesa County Taco Bells; Keller Williams Grand Junction Realty, Roman Chiropractic; Toys for the Fun of It; Talley’s; Wal-Marts in Mesa and Delta Counties; all Moe’s Diners; Choice Hotels; Randy’s Southside Diner; Walgreens in Mesa County; Sportsman Warehouse; American National Banks, Banks of the West, and Wells Fargo. There are numerous other sites accepting toys. For a complete listing, visit .
Drivers for toy drive/volunteers for “Toy and Joy Store” | Drivers are needed to pick up toys for Toys for Tots in Mesa County and Grand Junction. Contact Greg Merschel at 970-985-1794 or e-mail gregmerschel7@yahoo.com. To volunteer for the Toy and Joy Store at First and Colorado Street in the old City Market Warehouse, apply through the Mesa County Help Desk at 211.
Gift drive | The Colorado Springs Police Department has teamed up with Christmas Unlimited and Teens with Promise for an annual Christmas Toy Drive. New, unwrapped gifts can be placed in collection boxes at the following locations through Christmas Day: all CSPD stations, Stein Mart Department Store, and at the Teens with Promise office. Gifts needed include toys, CD players, MP3 players, art supplies, electronics, gift cards, makeup, hair accessories, hooded sweatshirts and jeans. Info: 719-444-7410 or 719-444-7483.
Pet supply drive | The 9th annual Angel Tree campaign is taking place through the end of December at Best Friends Pet Care, 11440 W. 44th St., Wheat Ridge. Stop in to choose a paper stocking from the Angel Tree in the lobby, Each stocking lists information about a pet at a local animal shelter who is in need of a new home, along with details of the food or supplies needed by the shelter. (Since each shelter has specific needs, donors are asked to shop from the list on the pet’s card). Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 3 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Info: 303-422-2055.
Animal shelter donations | Consumers holiday shopping on line can log on to more than 140 retailers websites through , and automatically, a portion of the purchase (amount varies by retailer) will provide assistance to shelters like the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Retailers include Macy’s, Zales, Walmart and Amazon. For a complete listing of retailers, visit .
Food/clothing/supply drive | Mountain Fitness Training Center is offering a free Yoga or Pilates class to anyone who donates the following items before the end of December: four non-perishable food items; a bag of diapers; coats; blankets; and shoes. The collected items will be distributed to the Women’s Crisis Center, Coats for Colorado and the Salvation Army. Cash donations for the Challenged Athletes Foundation or Boys and Girls Club of America are also being accepted. Info: 303-996-4060 or e-mail mftrainingcenter@hotmail.com.
Coat drive | Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is hosting a coat drive to benefit St. Francis Center which serves the homeless in Denver. Gently used coats can be dropped off at The Grabznso restaurants in Denver, Littleton, Greenwood Village, Aurora and Englewood through Dec. 31. Info: .
Food drive | Rangeview Library District’s Anythink in Action campaign is collecting donations of non-perishable food items at local Anythink library locations through December. The food will go to Adams County Food Distribution to help local families in need. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: 495 7th St., Bennett; 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton; 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City; 7611 Hilltop Circle, Denver; Support Services, 11658 Huron St., Northglenn; and 8992 Washington St., Thornton.
Holiday food/clothing/blanket/toy drive | The Springs Rescue Mission, 1 W. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, needs donations of the following items: turkeys and hams, canned cranberry sauce, canned yams, canned gravy, canned fruit, boxes of stuffing, blankets, sleeping baggs, adult and children sized winter coats, gloves and scarves, and toys for children ages 2-12. To donate perishable food, such as turkeys or meats, visit or call Rachel Stovall at 719-635-1822, ext. 868. Info: 719-631-1822 or .
Green chile fundraiser | F.M. Sportsradio 104.3 The FAN and Mark Schlereth are teaming up to raise money for the Denver Rescue Mission. During the month of December, purchase Mark Schlereth’s “Stinkin” Good Green Chili from the freezer section of King Soopers or Safeway and 25% of the chile proceeds will be donated to the Denver Rescue Mission. Info: .
Charitable donation | , an online giving resource made possible by Community First Foundation features over 300 local charities in need of donations. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to the charity you choose, with credit card fees covered by Community First Foundation. Info: or 720-898-5900.
Science fair judges | Volunteer judges are needed for Denver school science fairs that have been scheduled in December and January. For a complete list of coming science fairs (except Grant Ranch School), contact Debbie Turner, Community Resources Inc., 720-424-2300 or e-mail Debbie_turner@dpsk12.org.
Food drive | “Food for All,” a campaign to collect donations of canned food and staples to replenish inventories at the food banks at Denver Urban Ministries and Metro CareRing, will begin now and run through December. All donated items will be shared for distribution by Metro CareRing and DenUM. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Hooked on Colfax, 3213 E. Colfax Ave.; Annie’s Cafe, 3100 E. Colfax Ave.; and at the offices of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Inc., 1290 Williams St. Info: visit .
Kids after school program | Galilee Baptist Church, 1091 S. Parker Road, Denver, needs volunteers to help with an after school program for local middle school and high school students. Volunteers are needed to run a small cafe area, mentor students, and to help with homework and tutoring. The program will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and begins January 13. Info: 303-750-2277, ext. 36 or rsmith@gbc.org.
Airport ambassadors | Denver International Airport needs volunteers for its Ambassador Program. Candidates must be outgoing and able to work directly with the public, and be physically capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Prospects must be over 21, pass a background check and complete a day of training. Info: corinne.christensen@diadenver.net or 303-342-2242.
Travelers assistance | The Travelers Assistance Program at the Denver International Airport needs mature volunteers to provide comfort; information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities; and provide social services to the DIA traveler. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Flexible schedule and stations. Once a week or twice a month would be great. Volunteers undergo a complete background check. Training is provided. Contact TAP at 303-342-0400 or dentravler@aol.com.
Columbine Memorial | The Columbine Memorial Foundation, Inc., whose purpose is “to augment and facilitate fund raising, maintenance, repairs, volunteer efforts and improvements to the Columbine Memorial,” needs volunteers, cash contributions and service and material donations. Info: .
Nursing home advocates | The Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging Services needs ombudsman volunteers to serve as nursing home advocates for residents in Jefferson County. The program require a commitment of one year. Extensive training is provided. Volunteers are placed in facilities located close to their homes or workplaces. Info: contact Nancy Ferrier at 303-480-5638 or nferrier@drcog.org.
Clerk and Recorder | Volunteers are needed in the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Volunteer positions are available in Elections, Recording, Motor Vehicle, Clerk to the Board and Information Systems. Volunteers will work alongside members who provide their expertise and knowledge, and will learn about the operations of the Clerk and Recorder’s office. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older (or can be high school seniors) and must make a time commitment of a minimum of 4-hours a week, worked in one block of time. Info: Visit contact Mary Lynn Black at 719-520-6215 or marylynnblack@elpasoco.com.
Exchange program | Youth for Understanding, an international student exchange program, needs volunteer host families to open their homes to students from abroad. The students bring their own spending money and are covered by medical insurance. Host families are responsible for providing a separate bed, study area and three meals a day for the guest student, and should also be prepare to share their community with their student. Info: or call 866-493-8872.
Library outreach program | Rangeview Library District’s Outreach Services is seeking adult volunteers to assist with its Homebound Delivery program. This program provides library materials to customers in Adams County who are unable to access their local libraries. Delivery locations include individual homes and senior facilities. Shifts are from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. Fridays and from 12:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Outreach Services needs volunteers to work one day a month or more. Duties include: lifting, delivering and retrieving library materials, Driving is not required for this volunteering opportunity. Info: 303-288-2018 or .
Park maintenance | The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is expanding its “Adopt-a-park” program and needs volunteers to help keep City parks looking good. Park-adopters can be individuals, neighborhood groups, scout troops, businesses, etc. and are asked to make at least a one-year commitment to caring for a park, trail or open space; or a specific area in a park, such as a sports field, playground or flower bed. Adopters perform routine maintenance at their location a minimum of twice a month, including tasks such as picking up trash and pet waste, removing weeds, resetting wood chips in shrub beds or playgrounds, checking and restocking dog stations, and reporting graffiti and any damaged playground structures, benches or picnic tables to Park Maintenance. Info: 719-385-6519 or e-mail cityparkvol@springsgov.com.
Redemptorists office | The Redemptorists/Denver Province development office needs volunteers to help with projects using Microsoft Word, Mail Merge and Excel; and to help with other special projects. The Redemptorists are “an order of Catholic priests who work around the globe serving the poor and most abandoned.” Info: contact Milvia Valladares at 303-565-5421.
Blankets/blanket-making material | Project Linus is a non-profit organization dedicated to “bringing comfort and hope to those in need through the donation of handmade blankets.” They are seeking donations of homemade blankets and materials for blanket-making. The following types of materials are needed: 100% cotton fabric, flannel fabric, polar fleece fabric and acrylic yarn. Please follow these guidelines when making homemade blankets to donate: blankets should not have buttons or similar decorative items attached to them (choking hazards for young children); do not use paint on the surface of the blanket; keep the blanket in a non-smoking environment and away from pet hair (to avoid giving kids allergic reactions); and do not make blankets out of tapestry, burlap, upholstery fabric, felt, vinyl, wool or wool yarn. (Also, donations of those materials will not be accepted). Homemade blankets and materials can be donated at the following Greeley locations: Kenton Manor, 820 27th Ave.; Fairacres Manor, 1700 18th Ave.; Sterling House, 1999 W. 38th Ave.; and Life Care Center, 4800 25th St. Info: 970-356-3922.
Work clothing | DenverWorks, a non-profit that provides job readiness services, including one-on-one client management, job preparation, mentoring, a computer lab and clothing, needs donations of new or gently worn work clothing for job-seekers to wear to interviews and to work. DenverWorks is accepting professional and casual attire of all sizes for men and women. For donation guidelines and to set up a donation appointment, visit or call 303-433-0300.
Men’s and women’s clothing and hygiene items | The Denver Rescue Mission needs men’s and women’s clothing donations including: new or gently used pants, jeans, shirts, sweaters, suits and shoes. Also, the Mission needs new men’s and women’s socks and underwear; and hygiene items including: shampoo, soap, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes and diapers. Donations can be dropped off at any time, any day at the Lawrence Street Shelter, 23rd and Lawrence Street; from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at The Crossing, 6090 Smith Road; or from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ministry Outreach Center, 3501 E. 46th Ave. Info: 303-297-1815.
Outdoor gear collection | Homeless Gear is seeking unwanted outdoor gear (backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, coats, boots, socks, blankets, etc.) to distribute to Denver’s homeless population. Gear donations can be brought to the following locations: St. Francis Center, 2323 Curtis St., Denver, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday; or to Urban Peak, 730 21st St., Denver. For drop-off hours, contact the Outreach Coordinator at 303-974-2900. For information on the St. Francis Center, call 303-297-1576 or visit . For information on Urban Peak, call 303-974-2900 or visit . For information on Homeless Gear, visit .
Clothing drive | Bellco Credit Union has teamed with the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center to collect used clothing through the Center’s Drop Box program to help children who have been sexually abused, neglected or traumatized. The donated clothing is sold to Savers thrift stores to generate income to fund training programs, legislative advocacy, collaborative prevention and treatment. Bellco has drop boxes in three Metro Denver branch locations: Smoky Hill Branch, 24350 E. Smoky Hill Road, Aurora; Southwest Branch, 10058 W. Progress Ave., Littleton; and Parker Branch, 18448 E. Lincoln Ave, Parker. For a full list of participating branch locations, including hours of operation and contact information, visit .
Kids clothing drive | Clothes To Kids recently opened a new storefront in University Hills. Their mission is to provide low-income families a chance to allow their school-age kids to “shop” for a weeks worth of school clothes every 6 months free of charge. The Clothes to Kids store is open by appointment only. Silk Road is helping with the clothing dive by being a designated clothing drop-off point. Silk Road is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Info: .
Food and clothing donations for homeless/disadvantaged families | Guidance Behind The Walls, a nonprofit organization that assists disadvantaged and homeless families, needs food and clothing donations. For “Sunday Soup,” donations of the following items are needed: beef or chicken soup bullion, canned vegetables and tomatoes, canned tuna, plastic ware (plates, bowls, spoons, forks and napkins), and salt and pepper. Also needed are new or gently used coats, scarves, winter hats, gloves, long underwear/leggings and boots. Items can be dropped of at Guidance Behind the Walls, 608 26th St., Denver, or arrangements can be made for donations to be picked up. Info: contact Tatia Dokes at 303-317-2800.
Donations for at-risk women | Women’s Business Link Dreaming Big project is seeking donations from local individuals and business. Five areas of need have been identified: scholarships, personal services, mentorship, cash and gift cards. Many at-risk women are in need of basic services and items such as hair cuts, bus passes, Internet access, diapers, flu shots and vitamins. Info: wendy@womensbusinesslink.org or 720-261-1940.
Cellphones for domestic violence survivors | Verizon Wireless and the Denver Broncos are teaming up to help curb domestic violence. Fans attending the Broncos home games can donate no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories to benefit survivors of domestic violence through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program. Drop boxes will be at the guest relations centers at sections 105 and 122 at INVESCO Field at Mile High for the remainder of the season. Wireless phones and equipment can also be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. Info: .
Teen parenting support | Parent Pathways, a Denver nonprofit that provides education for pregnant and parenting teens, an Early Learning Center for their babies and a Young Fathers Program, needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help with special events that raise money and awareness of Parent Pathways’ programs; to help manage a “Baby Bucks Store,” (where girls earn certificates to “purchase” new items for their babies); and to help with general administrative duties. Desired skills include inventory control, data entry, web design and programming, and merchandising.
Parent Pathways is also seeking volunteer groups for the following holiday season projects: “Thanksgiving Baskets,” provide a teen family with a Thanksgiving meal; “Sponsor a Family,” provide a holiday meal and gifts for each member of a struggling teen mom’s family; and “Giving Tree,” providing holiday gifts for the children of the teen parents that Parent Pathways serves. Volunteer info: contact Marcia Jamison at 303-321-6363, ext. 208 or e-mail mjamison@parentpathways.org. General info: .
Family support | Families First needs people to volunteer with children and families. Support line volunteers staff the Family Support Line. Volunteers are available to listen, provide educational information and community resources to parents and caregivers seeking support. Volunteers answer phone calls at the Call Center during the week and from home at night and on weekends. Volunteers are needed for one 4-hour shift per week.
Children’s Group | Leaders plan and implement activities that enhance a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development while parents attend support groups or parenting classes. Children’s Group Leaders volunteer in the evening, two hours per week, at a parenting group or class location in Aurora, Denver, Englewood or Littleton. Info: call 303-745-0327, e-mail Rachel@familiesFirstColorado.org or visit .
Disaster program | The Aurora Volunteers In Disasters (AVID) program manages dedicated and highly-motivated volunteers who are trained to help their fellow residents in times of emergencies. “Emergency Response Volunteers” receive training and guidance through AVID when a disaster strikes and they are called to respond. AVID is recruiting volunteers for the “Four Wheel Driver Response Group,” who provide critical transportation during a snow emergency. Info: 303-326-8964 or e-mail shackett@auroragov.org.
Website research | Compass of Larimer County is a website containing current statistics, reports and studies about Larimer County. Larimer County’s Health and Human Services Division needs Compass research specialist volunteers and interns to provide research and data analysis to update the Compass website. Specialists set their own schedule and work at home. Apply online at . Info: awolsey@larimer.org or 970-498-6877.
SouthWest Improvement Council | SWIC needs volunteers in several areas. Class Leader volunteers plan and coordinate classes in the Westwood Community Center. Reception Ambassador volunteers will work at the reception desk answering phones and welcoming patrons. Office Assistant volunteers will do computer data entry and assist with staff projects. Fitness Center Monitor volunteers will use the fitness office to monitor open times in the weight room and check out balls for use in the gymnasium. Info: 303-934-4780.
Recording for the blind and dyslexic | The Rocky Mountain Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) is recruiting volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include: reading, directing, bookmarkering, tape checking, duplicating, outreach, fundraising and more. Volunteer orientations are at 10 a.m. every Monday and 6 p.m. every Thursday. Info: 303-757-0787or e-mail cskoff@rfbd.org.
Fur for animals | The Buffalo Exchange is hosting a “Coats For Cubs” program now through April 22. Donate your real fur apparel, including trims, accessories and shearling to any Buffalo Exchange location, specify that the donation is for the “Coats For Cubs” program, and the furs will be given to the Humane Society of the United States to provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. Info: .
Animal shelter | The Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, 678 S. Jason St., needs volunteers to walk dogs and to socialize with cats. Volunteers are also needed to work in the administrative office doing filing, proof-reading Dog/Cat Licenses and assisting with other administrative duties. Items accepted for donation to the shelter are: blankets, laundry detergent, hand sanitizer and treats. Info: Contact Lisa Sanchez at 303-698-5553 or visit .
Animal foster homes | The Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins needs volunteer foster homes to help take care of animals they receive. Foster care volunteers give temporary off-site care to homeless animals. Register: volunteer@larimerhumane.org. Info: or e-mail foster@larimerhumane.org.
Reptile humane society | The Colorado Reptile Humane Society needs volunteers, ages 18 and above, who are willing to make a six-month commitment of approximately three hours per week. CoRHS receives nearly 300 unwanted and abused reptiles every year. To volunteer, visit for an application form. The shelter is located in Longmont and there is also an active volunteer group in Colorado Springs.
Donations of the following items are needed: | Garden plants such as Russian sage, rabbit and butterfly bushes; jars of fruit/vegetable baby food, frozen berries and dried figs; reptile UVB bulbs; cleaning and maintenance supplies like liquid laundry soaps, automatic dishwasher detergent, paper towels and lawn-size plastic garbage bags; warm mist humidifiers, duct tape, “human” heating pads without the auto-shutoff feature, timers and extension cords; and office supplies such as first class stamps and white and colored copy machine paper. For a full list of supplies needed or to schedule a donation drop-off time, call 303-776-2070.
Coyote protection | WildEarth Guardians, a conservation nonprofit, needs volunteers to help protect coyotes in Greenwood Village by writing e-mail letters and doing outdoor field work in Greenwood Village Parks. Info: e-mail NRosmarino@WildEarthGuardians.org.
Canine Partners of the Rockies | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., (CaPR) needs puppy raisers. The base requirements for puppy raisers include raising the puppy for 18 months and attending scheduled training classes with other puppy raisers. Info: 303-364-9040, Linda@caninepartnersoftherockies or .
Animal sanctuary | Denkai Animal Sanctuary needs volunteers to help feed, water, drain hoses, clean pens and repair fencing for the many animals housed at the sanctuary. Dog-walkers are also needed. Supplies needed: extension cords that are a minimum of 50 feet in length; splitters for extension cords; heated dog and horse buckets; five gallon buckets; swimming pools for ducks (or a low-to-the-ground horse tank with a heater); insulated dog houses; heavy-duty hay tarps; gloves, hats and winter socks; lumber for building; and firewood. Arrangements for supplies to be picked up from the donor can be made. Info: 970-895-2337 or e-mail info@denkaisanctuary.org.
Colorado Division of Wildlife | Volunteers are needed to help with activities including: transporting sick and injured wildlife to rehabilitation centers, helping spawn fish, monitoring nest sites for ospreys and eagles, being tour guides at fish hatcheries, State Wildlife Area clean-ups, and a variety of other hands-on projects. Projects are seasonal and vary by region of the state. Info: In southeastern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Lamar, contact Jena Sanchez at 719-227-5204 or jena.sanchez@state.co.us; in southwest Colorado, including Montrose, Gunnison, Durango and the San Luis Valley, contact Jennifer Kleffner at 970-375-6704 or Jennifer.kleffner@state.co.us; in northwest Colorado, including Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Craig and Steamboat Springs, contact Linda Edwards at 970-255-6145 or linda.edwards@state.co.us; and in northeast Colorado, including Denver, Castle Rock, Sterling and Fort Collins, contact Mary McCormac at 303-291-7369 or mary.mccormac@state.co.us.
Bird education and science | Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, with offices in Brighton and Fort Collins, conserves birds and their habitats through research, monitoring, outreach and education. Volunteer are needed to help plan or staff various public events, such as festivals and RMBO’s annual member event. These events are at various locations along the Front Range at various times between April and October. Time commitment is variable and no knowledge of birds is necessary Info: or 303-659-4348.
Raptor program | Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, based in Fort Collins, needs volunteers. RMRP encourages preservation of our environmental and cultural resources through excellence in raptor rehabilitation, community education and research. Info: 970-484-7756 or e-mail info@rmrp.org.
Loveland Museum/Gallery | The Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln, needs volunteer docents for the Salvador Dali exhibitions in the Main Gallery. Docent volunteers ensure the safety of the artwork, welcome visitors, move around the gallery space at regular intervals, answer questions and offer information about the exhibit. Although seating will be provided, volunteers are expected to converse with the public on a regular basis. The exhibit runs through Jan. 31. Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursdays; 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays; and hours of operation on weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Training for volunteers includes information about the Museum’s exhibits, collection and history, an exhibit/artist fact sheet and talking points and an information packet. Info: contact Maureen Corey at 970-962-2483 or e-mail coreym@ci.loveland.co.us.
Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact volunteer coordinator David Williams at 720-274-5147 or e-mail david@crrn.org.
Visiting Nurse Association | The Visiting Nurse Association needs volunteers to assist with their Senior Wellness Clinics. Each month, the VNA conducts more than 80 clinics providing foot care and basic health assessments to seniors across the Denver-metro area. Volunteers assist clinic nurses by serving as receptionists, assisting with client paperwork and scheduling appointments. Also needed are volunteers to visit home-bound patients to help prevent isolation, loneliness and provide respite for caregivers. Info: Contact Nora Simmons Daly at 303-698-6387 or e-mail VNAvolunteers@vnacolorado.org.
Alzheimer’s residents | Volunteers are needed to spend time with Alzheimer’s residents at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab in Morrison. Volunteers spend time with residents, talking to them, helping to read and write letters, sending holiday greeting cards, playing cards and more. Info: Karen Fletcher, 303-697-8181.
Elder care | Life Care Center of Aurora, an elder care facility, needs volunteers in the areas of administration and activities, flexible to volunteers’ personalities and schedules. Info: Contact Kim at 720-222-4242 or visit the Center at 14101 E. Evans Ave.
Hospice | Evercare Hospice, 6455 S. Yosemite St., needs volunteers to support people with life-limiting illness and their families. Opportunities include companionship for patient, caregiver support, pet visits, massage/Reiki/healing touch, and more. Hours are flexible. Info: Contact Lynette at 303-741-2376.
Hospice | Sol Amor Hospice needs volunteers who are compassionate, have transportation and can attend a comprehensive volunteer training course. Info: 720-200-1036.
Hospice | The Visiting Nurse Association needs volunteers to work with VNA’s Hospice at Home program. Volunteers provide support to patients, respite for family members, child care assistance, bereavement support, fundraising and administrative work. A volunteer training series will be from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 22, 23 and 30 at Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave. All volunteers who have contact with patients must complete the training program. Info: Nora Simmons Daly, 303-698-6387.
Hospice | Affinity Hospice of Life, 2121 S. Blackhawk, Ste. 110, Aurora, needs volunteers to visit with patients. Hospice volunteers are offered a free training program and are involved in a wide range of activities including writing letters, supervising visits with pets, grocery shopping and support for primary caregivers. Info: or 303-745-3197.
Hospice | Trinity Hospice of Colorado seeks volunteers to offer companionship and support to terminally ill patients and their families. By offering just one hour per week, you can serve as a source of encouragement and compassion by visiting someone in the Denver metropolitan area. Info: contact Jill Fabrizio at 303-799-5096 or e-mail jill.fabrizio@trinityhospice.com.
Hospital | National Jewish Health needs volunteers to help with administrative support to various departments, patient greeting, pediatric playroom activity assistance and data entry. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week for at least six months. National Jewish Health is closed in the evenings and weekends, so volunteers need to be able to come in during the week. Training, parking and lunches are provided. Volunteers must participate in a criminal background check and employee health process, both provided at no cost to the volunteer. Info: 303-398-1126 or e-mail volunteers@njhealth.org.
Hospital | Saint Joseph Hospital needs volunteers for the afternoon/evening shifts at its “Welcome Desks.” Volunteers will greet and assist patients and visitors by answering questions; direct visitors to patients’ rooms, department locations and meeting locations; look up patients’ room location for visitors and provide accurate information to visitors as directed by staff. Volunteers should have good interpersonal customer service skills; a positive attitude and ability to maintain a high level of professional composure under stressful conditions; ability to work with little supervision and flexibility in determining and meeting customer needs. Info: Contact Jordan Frost, volunteer coordinator, at 303-837-7667 or visit .
Ronald McDonald House Charities | Volunteers are needed to help support the Ronald McDonald Houses in Denver and Aurora by becoming a “Volunteer House Manager,” cooking meals, donating services, cleaning, doing office work and donating supplies. Info: or 720-324-2404.
Seniors/finances | AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers to help fight fraud and to protect older adults from financial exploitation. Volunteers are needed to work with the AARP Foundation and Colorado Attorney General’s Colorado Consumer Line in the Denver Call-Center. References and background checks are required. Info: Contact Amy at 720-947-5306 or visit .
Consumer Fraud education | AARP ElderWatch needs volunteers with public speaking experience to educate seniors about financial security, fraud and scams. Documented speaking experiences and references are required. Info: Contact Amy at 720-947-5306 or visit .
Foreclosure Prevention Program | SouthWest Improvement Council needs volunteers to assist with the Foreclosure Prevention and Housing Counseling Program. Volunteer activities include answering phones, returning calls to clients, setting appointments and faxing and filing documents. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one 4-hour shift one day each week. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Info: 303-934-2181.
Money management | Seniors Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people maximize their personal independence, needs volunteers for its Money Management Program – Bill Payer Service. After training, volunteers will go into the residences of low income disabled or elderly persons, at no cost, to assist them with organizing and paying their bills, balancing their checkbook and providing guidance on personal budgeting and related matter. Info: Tim Cusick at 303-300-6933 or tcusick@seniorsinc.org.
Volunteers of America | RSVP, a program sponsored by Volunteers of America, assists over 80 agencies in Denver, Douglas and western Arapahoe counties recruit volunteers. Participants must be 55 or older and can sign up for volunteer positions at partner agencies during RSVP’s “Inside Scoop” meetings. Info: Jan Munoz at 303-297-0408, ext. 13128.
Food donations | The Jeffco Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, needs soup, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, cereal, powdered milk, and baby food and formula for its food bank. The Jeffco Action Center is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to needy residents in Jefferson County. Info: 303-237-7704 or .
Food bank | Food Bank of the Rockies needs volunteers in the Distribution area of the warehouse filling orders, packing boxes, sorting products for delivery and more. FBR can accommodate groups from 1-30 individuals for two shifts per day as well as one Saturday morning per month. Info: Contact Olive at 303-371-9250, ext. 236 or e-mail volunteer@foodbankrockies.org.
Medical relief | Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need of medical relief around the world. Project C.U.R.E. Corps needs groups of volunteers to sort items, load containers and for warehouse organization. Individual volunteers are needed to work as truck drivers, volunteer coordinators, couriers, sorting team leaders, and in procurement and general administration. Info: or 303-792-0729.
Child assistance | CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that trains, supports and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the physical, emotional and educational needs of abused and neglected children. Volunteers attend 30 hours of training in order to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. Info: , 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.
Victim assistance | The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office needs volunteers for its Victim Assistance Program, which provides 24-hour a day, 7-day a week crisis response to crime victims and other individuals involved in traumatic events or persons in need. Volunteers are trained to provide crisis intervention and short-term support. Additionally, the program provides referral information as well as information on victim rights, victim compensation and case status. Following initial training, there are monthly training meetings held the first Monday evening of each month. Advocates sign up for two days a month for either a weekday night 12-hour shift or weekend 24-hour shift. Applicants will be required to submit to a background investigation including an integrity interview, polygraph examination and fingerprint clearance. Successful applicants must attend all academy trainings. Info/request application packet: 720-874-4038 or 720-874-4190.
Adult literacy tutor | Attend a training at a Douglas County library to learn how you can help adults learn English, become better readers or prepare for tests like the GED, military entrance or citizenship exams. Register: 303-791-7323 or visit the “Programs and Events” calendar at .
Adult/family education tutors | The Learning Source for Adults and Families needs volunteer tutors for its adult classes in the Denver Metro area (and especially in the Aurora area). Areas of instruction are English language, reading, writing, math and GED preparation. No prior teaching experience is required. Volunteer orientation and training session are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 11 and Jan. 13 in Aurora. Info: contact Volunteer Recruiter Brenda Renner 303-957-2883 or Brenda@coloradoliteracy.org.
English tutors | Central Denver Language School (CDLS) is a non profit English language program that teaches English to non English speaking adults. The school was founded by a group of volunteer teachers and has been in operation for one and a half years. CDLS’s student population has grown from thirty to over 70. CDLS needs more teachers. If you enjoy interacting with foreign students, in a classroom setting or one-on-one as a tutor, become a volunteer. Training and guidance will be provided. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, located near Broadway and 1st Ave. Info: call Bud at 303-520-4466.
English tutors | The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language program needs volunteers to teach English to recently-arrived refugees. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Info: Sharon McCreary at 720-423-4843 or sharon_mccreary@dpsk12.org; or .
Natural areas | The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program needs volunteers for the following programs: “Adopt a Natural Area,” which involves monthly litter clean-ups in natural areas with flexible time commitment; “Volunteer Ranger Assistants,” serving as a friendly face on the trail to greet visitors, promote safety and assist rangers from The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program and the Larimer County Department of Natural Resource; “Master Naturalists,” learn how to lead fun hands-on field trips on a flexible schedule; and “other opportunities,” which are scheduled in the warmer months. To volunteer: Contact Susan Schafer, Natural Areas Volunteer Coordinator at 970-416-2480 or sschafer@fcgov.com. Info: visit .
Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative | BCWI needs volunteers to help with forums, to work on StreamTeams to protect local waterways, to write articles and take photographs, to help with general clerical duties and more. Info: or 303-413-7365.
Trail guides | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. Info: or 720-579-4161.
Wilderness environmental service programs | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals. Info: 719-471-7736 or .
Weed district | Larimer County Weed District needs a volunteer to donate about 12 hours a week assisting with general office responsibilities. Duties include answering phones, responding to questions, and preparing mailings and invoices. A six-month commitment is required. Info: 970-679-4552 or ccullins@larimer.org.
Park weeding and trail maintenance | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, needs volunteers to work with trained crew leaders to pull, snip and collect noxious weeds and help maintain the hiking trails. Info: 303-973-3959.
Trailwork | The Continental Divide Trail Alliance needs volunteers to do trail work and camp in scenic landscapes ranging from arid desert to high alpine wilderness in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Volunteers will need to take camping gear. A crew chef will be on hand to provide most meals, and federal land managers and CDTA crew leaders will explain tool use, provide safety training and information on proper trail building techniques. Many projects included a guided hike or other educational outing. Projects range from one day to one week. Most project locations are car-camping accessible, however some backpacking options exist as well. Volunteers on the five Clear Creek projects can take part in prime time fly fishing, wildlife viewing and visiting Winfield, a mining ghost town. Register at . Info: 303-838-3760, 888-909-2382 or .
Trailwork | The Department of Community Resources and the City of Lakewood’s Regional Parks division needs individuals, community groups and businesses to adopt a section of trail at William Fredrick Hayden Park on Green Mountain. The Adopt-A-Trail Program encourages volunteers to “adopt” a half-mile section to be inspected three times a year. Once a year, each Adopt-A-Trail team will join other teams in the park to clean up and maintain trail sections. Everyone who adopts a section of trail will be recognized with a sticker on the trail mile marker of the adopted section. Info: , 303-697-6159, or e-mail erinil@Lakewood.org.
Morrison Museum | The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colorado 8, needs volunteers to teach about local fossils and rocks using hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Training and mentorship provided. Volunteers are also needed to assist with reptile collection care, fossil molding and casting, and information desk/gift shop operations. Info: 303-697-1873 or .
Museo de las Americas | The Museo de las Americas is recruiting and training volunteers for art, programs and events. Contact Kristi Martens at 303-571-4401, ext. 28, or e-mail Kristi@museo.org.
Air and Space museum | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., needs volunteers to help with youth and adult education programs offered by the Museum’s Education Department. Volunteers conduct tours, assist with hands-on activities, teach in the flight simulator lab and conduct our Project Pilot course. Project Pilot is a team building course in which students learn the basics of flight planning and then fly a mission in the Museum’s Flight Simulator Lab. Wings offers progressive training for all of these volunteer positions. Aviation experience is a plus, but is not required. Info: Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@wingsmuseum.org.
Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitor Center | School field trip program guides and docents are needed to serve as hosts and conduct programs appropriate for school groups, youth and scouting organizations, senior citizen and civic groups at the Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. Info: Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.
Zoo | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., needs volunteers to assist with special events, to assist zookeepers and to work in the zoo’s membership, education and administration departments. Info: or 303-376-4894.
Dinosaur Ridge | Volunteer tour guides are needed to teach people about the paleontological, geological, natural resources and history of Dinosaur Ridge. Applicants must be at least 18 and must complete required training. Info: 303-697-3466 or .
Science Museum | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., needs volunteers to work with visitors in the Museum’s diorama halls, galleries and activity areas. Also needed are volunteers to be guides, interpreters, collections assistants and classroom prep assistants. Info: Volunteer Services Office, 303-370-6419.
Nature Center | Bluff Lake Nature Center, East 30th Avenue and Moline Street, needs volunteer naturalists to work with kids, using games, science experiments and hands-on activities to teach them about nature. No experience is required. Info: Sue Schafer, 303-468-3245.
Butterfly Pavilion | The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, needs volunteers to work with visitors and to help in its tropical butterfly conservatory, tide pool, touch cart, and garden areas. Info: or Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.
To publicize volunteer opportunities/donations needed notices, mail details at least two weeks in advance to Andrea Labak, Volunteers Needed, The Denver Post, City Desk, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail Scispeak@denverpost.com.
