Bags, boxes and clothing racks litter the back room of Para Ti Mujer, a nonprofit aimed at uplifting women. Some are labeled with "M"s and "S"s while others are labeled with ages and genders.
These spaces are filled with donated goods, mainly clothing, set to go to a newly arrived migrant family or someone in need.
It's that time of year when giving may be an option, and not all donations need to be monetary.
Para Ti Mujer and several other organizations are accepting all forms of donations for migrant families and other individuals in need.
"People are really open to supporting our immigrant community," said Karina Urrego, Para Ti's program director. "People are helping them out. We are trying to keep our offices open for other services as well ... But it's great how our community is getting involved in bringing us those donations."
Urrego said the room is full of items and growing every day. She said clothes are the biggest need, especially warm items and diverse sizing. Toys are also wanted to give the little ones smiles.
Volunteers are also needed to help the organization sort clothes by type and size, Urrego added. Those that are interested can reach out to Para Ti Mujer either through their website or in person at 150 Sheridan Blvd. in the Barnum West neighborhood.
Donation hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., though the offices operate throughout the week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
And this weekend, Dec. 9-10, the office will be accepting donations from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday. Urrego said she's working on adding more weekend hours, but that depends on staffing. She said donated clothes should be clean and in good condition.
So, shake out those closets, dig all the way to the back and maybe let go of that shirt you bought three years ago that still has the tag on it.
Urrego said folks should embrace that kind of change.
"It's important to change," Urrego chuckled. "But we have a lot. We have blessings. We have a place to live. We have clothes to wear. We have food to eat. That's a blessing and that's why we want to encourage our community to share and serve others, if they can."
Here are some places where you can donate your things, time or money for this holiday season. Please be mindful that some organizations may be short-staffed or overwhelmed by the number of items they've been receiving. Feel free to call the organizations beforehand to perhaps schedule a time or see if they've limited their lists to specific items.
Also, if we missed any organizations, please send them to [email protected].
How to give to incoming migrants
City and County of Denver
The city is asking for several types of donations to assist the incoming migrants.
A holiday gift drive for migrant children is going on through Dec. 18.
Some items they're looking for include: music devices, books, makeup and sports apparel for teens; Legos, dolls and board games for children; playmats, teething toys and educational toys for toddlers. There's also an Amazon gift list.
They've asked that the gifts be easily transportable and cost less than $25. The city is also asking that the items be new and unwrapped. The gifts can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at either of the city's workforce centers.
Here are the addresses:
Arie P. Taylor Municipal Building
4685 Peoria St., Suite 251
Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building (Atrium)
201 W. Colfax Ave.
The city is also asking for clothing donations, especially warm clothes. They're looking for outerwear such as hats and scarves, hoodies and thermals, and winter shoes for men, women and children in all sizes.
As of last week, the drop-off location for these items have changed due to capacity needs. Here are the organizations, places and times.
Community Ministry
1755 S. Zuni St.
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Para Ti Mujer
150 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 200
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Colorado Changemakers Collective
12075 E. 45th Ave.
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Please call 720-385-9173 before dropping off donations.)
Rose Community Foundation
If you're interested in making a monetary donation, that can be done through the Newcomers Fund run by the Rose Community Foundation. Those donations go to the city's nonprofit partners who provide all aspects of support to the migrant community. You can donate online or via check.
The check can be made out to Rose Community Foundation with a memo note that says "Newcomers Fund." It can be mailed to this address:
Rose Community Foundation
4500 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 900
Lastly, you can donate your time. Each of the organizations accepting clothes are also looking for volunteers to sort through the clothing. Visit their websites for more information.
To specifically help with the House1000 Initiative, the city is hosting House 1000 Move-in Days where volunteers can help prepare the micro-community sites. Visit the website to pick a specific time to help.
Denver Human Services
#BeAGiver Holiday Gift Drive
1200 Federal Blvd.
Through Dec. 9
Denver Human Services is collecting holiday gifts for the families they serve, including incoming migrants. They've put together a gift guide separated by ages, including gift cards and small appliances for adults; Broncos gear, jewelry and pajamas for teens; Legos and superhero-themed items for children; and stuffed animals and playmates for infants.
They also have an Amazon wishlist.
Besides collecting toys, you can also give a monetary gift or volunteer your time. For both, head to their website to donate and choose a time to volunteer.
Highlands Moms & Neighbors - Venezuelan Migrant Support
The Highlands Moms and Neighbors group has been actively assisting migrant community members that are currently unhoused.
The group has created a comprehensive list of needs such as clothing and food, as well as a contact list for donations, volunteering and service locations.
More places to donate clothing
Birdseed Collective
The nonprofit organization is seeking specific items to assist migrants and individuals in need. That includes diapers, feminine hygiene products, hangers, blankets, coats, gloves, beanie hats and socks. Drop off donations at 4496 Grant St.
Dry Bones via Little Man Ice Cream Shop, Seedstock Brewing and the Viking Bar
Dry Bones is seeking warm clothing donations for unhoused youth across Denver. The group is also collecting sleeping bags and blankets.
Those items can be dropped off at the Little Man Ice Cream Shop at 4411 W. Colfax Ave., Seedstock Brewing at 3610 W. Colfax Ave., and Viking Bar at 4888 W. Colfax Ave.
They also have an Amazon wishlist.
More places to donate toys
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver
The Boys and Girls Club is accepting new and unwrapped gifts for children 5 to 18 years old. They ask that you consider the ages when donating, especially for teenagers which could include sports equipment, electronics and gift cards.
Donations are accepted until Dec. 24.
The items can be dropped off at various King Soopers locations or the Boys and Girls main office at 2017 W. 9th Ave. Drop off at the office must be between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Fridays. They've also asked that you call ahead at 303-892-9200.
The organization is hosting a big collection day on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the King Soopers on 2750 S. Colorado Blvd. More info here.
Children's Hospital
Children's Hospital is accepting donations of new toys, books, stuffed animals, craft materials and other gifts, especially for the holiday but also throughout the year. Drop off at Broomfield, Highlands Ranch, Aurora and Colorado Springs locations.
Denver Santa Claus Shop
DSCS is a nonprofit organization that collects toys and creates a temporary toy store, allowing families to peruse and "shop" for items.
There are various drop-off locations including Dirty Duck Bar at 4780 E. Evans Ave. and multiple Denver Mattress, Larry H. Miller and Credit Union of Colorado locations.
Folks can also make monetary donations through the website or shop via Amazon.
Eligible families can register to sign up for the shop on their website. Available dates include Dec. 8, 9, 11 and 12.
Southwest Denver Coalition
The Southwest Denver Coalition is hosting its second annual Holiday Gift Giveaway in partnership with Councilmember Kevin Flynn.
They're looking for gifts that include arts and crafts, sports equipment, dolls, puzzles and books. There's a need for Gift cards from places such as Walmart, Target and Old Navy. Gifts for teenagers such as makeup, lotions, cologne and headphones are a necessity.
The drive runs through Dec. 15.
The Coalition also needs wrapping paper, bows and gift tags. Toy donations can be dropped off to several locations:
AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Southwest
7980 W Tufts Ave, Littleton
BuCu West
4200 Morrison Road, Unit 3,
Councilmember Kevin Flynn's Office
3100 S. Sheridan Blvd., Unit D
Denver Tennis Park
1560 S. Franklin St.
Westwood Community Center
1000 S. Lowell Blvd.
Zing Credit Union
3299 W. Alameda Ave.
And here are more places that are always accepting donations and volunteers:
Bienvenidos Food Bank
Brother Jeff's Cultural Center
Catholic Charities of Denver
Clothes To Kids of Denver
The Delores Project
Dress for Success
Food Bank of the Rockies:
St. Francis Center
The Gathering Place
GrowHaus
Jewish Family Services
Mutual Aid Monday
The Salvation Army
Struggle of Love Foundation
Sun Valley Youth Center
Re:Vision
Volunteers of America
