The holidays are once again upon us, and for another year look much different than seasons past. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to linger, and with it the uncertainty it creates, one thing remains the same: The joy that comes from spreading holiday cheer by helping our neighbors in need.
This year, 1 in 8 individuals in Colorado and Wyoming are projected to face food insecurity. Struggling with hunger at any time is difficult, but can be felt even more acutely during the holidays. With so many families, children, older adults, and individuals experiencing hunger right now, your community needs your support more than ever. Here are several ways to help your neighbors this holiday season.
How can you help people facing food insecurity? Donate money to a food bank.
Every $1 donated helps Food Bank of the Rockies provide four meals to individuals struggling with food insecurity. Financial gifts of any amount fuel our signature programs such as Totes of Hope®, the Culturally Responsive Food Initiative, and Mobile Pantries, and allow us to reach more people in more places across Colorado and Wyoming. As you reflect back on 2021 and look ahead to 2022, consider taking a moment to do good in your community and ensure that everyone has enough to eat throughout the holidays and beyond by donating today.
Increase Your Impact on Colorado Gives Day, December 7th
Colorado Gives Day on December 7th is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Donating money to Food Bank of the Rockies on Colorado Gives Day multiplies your gift, helping us feed even more neighbors across Colorado and Wyoming. Schedule your donation beginning November 1st or give on December 7th.
Give the Gift of Hope
Make your donation double as a gift for a relative, friend, or colleague, and donate in their honor. You can also donate to Food Bank of the Rockies in memory of someone. Our website makes it easy to send an e-card to notify the recipient (or their loved one) of your gift in their honor or memory.
Create a Virtual Holiday Food Drive
A virtual food drive is a great way to ensure your financial gift goes further because we’re able to take every dollar donated and use it to buy food at wholesale or lower costs. Make it a group bonding activity and ask loved ones, friends, and coworkers to join you! It’s effective, secure, and convenient to create a virtual food drive on our website. Or, create a fundraiser via Facebook supporting Food Bank of the Rockies.
Make it Monthly
Hunger is prevalent throughout our community year-round, not just during the holidays. Help in the fight against food insecurity throughout the year by making a recurring donation of any amount each month by joining Feed365. Reliable support helps us plan and deepens your impact in the community. Click the box to make this a monthly gift and enjoy knowing that you’re making a difference all year long.
Give Smart
Gifts of appreciated securities (like stock) or qualified charitable distributions from an IRA account are tax-smart ways to support your neighbors facing hunger. When you give a gift of stock you avoid capital gains tax. If you’re 70-and-a-half or older, you can donate up to $100,000 directly from an IRA instead of taking your required minimum distribution. Please notify us when you initiate a stock transfer or an IRA gift so we can acknowledge your donation and provide you with documentation. You can reach us via phone at 720-715-7720 or via email at donatenow@foodbankrockies.org. Learn more about smart ways to give today.
Leave a Legacy of Good
Remember us in your will or as a beneficiary on an account this holiday season. Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate, or you can make a specific bequest by giving a certain amount of cash, securities, or property. Learn more about the benefits of making a charitable bequest.
Volunteer Your Time
If means are limited this year and you’re unable to donate money, consider volunteering with us. With the increased need for food in our community, your support is invaluable. We need individuals and groups to help us provide food to people facing food insecurity. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have increased safety measures to protect our volunteers during shifts and will continue to do everything in our power to ensure your health and safety.
Here at Food Bank of the Rockies, the holidays are about gratitude, and we could not be more grateful for your support. Thank you for nourishing our community and ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food for themselves and their loved ones. We could not do this work without you.
