Denver, CO (November 19, 2024) – Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to share a meal and reflect on the year’s blessings. But for far too many in our community, the holiday is a painful reminder of what’s missing – a safe home, a warm meal, or simply a place to belong. This year, Volunteers of America (VOA) Colorado, a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives, is stepping in to change that story by hosting three Thanksgiving events across Denver from November 24-26. These gatherings will provide not only food, but a sense of connection and hope to those who need it most.
THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO CAPTURE THESE HEARTFELT THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS, HELD EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE RESIDENTS AND PARTICIPANTS OF VOA COLORADO’S PROGRAMS, OFFERING A GLIMPSE INTO THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THOSE FACING HARDSHIP.
Event Schedule:
- Sunday, November 24, VOA Colorado Mission, 2877 Lawrence Street, Denver, XXX: A Thanksgiving feast will be served to over 300 individuals. With nearly 1 in 9 Coloradans struggling with food insecurity and 11% of veterans unable to consistently access food, VOA’s Mission strives to offer relief and comfort in a season that should be defined by abundance, not scarcity.
- 11:15 a.m., meal for program families
- 2:30 p.m., meal for the community around the mission
- 1:15 p.m., regular mission customers experiencing homelessness
- Monday, November 25, Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), 2660 Larimer Street, Denver, 4-6 pm: Families and children will gather at the ECEC for a Thanksgiving lunch, creating cherished moments for those who often struggle to put food on the table. Many children in VOA’s programs face food insecurity daily, and this event provides not just nourishment but a moment of joy and togetherness.
- Tuesday, November 26, Family Motel, 4855 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, 4-6 pm: The Family Motel, a safe haven for families experiencing housing instability, will host a Thanksgiving meal designed to provide respite and connection in a warm, welcoming setting. VOA’s Family Motel is one of the few resources for families with nowhere else to go, highlighting the urgency of Colorado’s homelessness crisis.
In a state where more than 25,000 people experience homelessness and the number of children going to bed hungry continues to grow, VOA Colorado’s Thanksgiving events offer a beacon of hope for those who may otherwise face the holiday season alone or in hardship.
“We know that for many of our neighbors, food insecurity and housing challenges cast a long shadow over the holidays,” shared Dave Schunk, President and CEO of VOA Colorado. “These Thanksgiving gatherings are more than meals – they’re a reminder that we’re here, as a community, for anyone who needs help, hope, or just a moment of connection. This is the true meaning of Thanksgiving.”
Each event is made possible through the dedication of VOA Colorado community partners Safeway, the Food Bank of the Rockies, and DaVita, along with staff and volunteers. VOA Colorado invites the public to join in its mission by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word that support and community are available for those who need it most.
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About VOA Colorado: Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, VOA Colorado serves over 100,000 people in need each year. Volunteers of America Colorado’s services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs. Our work touches the mind, body and heart of those we serve by integrating compassion into our highly effective programs and services that build and strengthen communities.