For nearly a year, the war has raged in Ukraine forcing people from their homes. For even longer, Afghan refugees have made their way to Broomfield. This year, a local nonprofit hopes to lift their holiday spirits by asking the community to open their hearts.
“These families lost not only their homes, but their homeland,” said Broomfield Resettlement Task Force Director Heidi Henkel. "With the holiday season here, we wanted to give our families something tangible as a reminder that our community is walking alongside them during this time.”
The task force, among other local nonprofits, established giving trees throughout the community.
Help brighten the holidays for recent Afghan and Ukrainian refugees by visiting the Giving Tree at Rocky Mountain Sports Club at 300 Nickel St. from Dec. 3-15.
The charitable campaign is being done in conjunction with the Broomfield Resettlement Task Force and nonprofit More Perfect Union.
More Perfect Union member Ryan Woolf, who is a Front Range Chapter leader, said the national nonprofit is roughly a year old and led by military veterans.
“The focus is service, civics and leadership,” he said. “Our whole mission is to build the next great civic service organization.
The giving tree is an amazing way that individuals can impact another individual.”
While talking with a refugee family this past weekend to solicit gift ideas, Woolf said the reaction was utter disbelief.
“They’re faces just lit up, like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to get something in this darkest time of the year,’” he said.
The goal is providing holiday cheer for roughly 50 refugees, Woolf explained.
“During the holidays it’s nice to have a gift,” he said. “This is really going to bring smiles to the kids’ faces. From the newest babies to grandmas, everybody is hopefully going to get something.,”
For more information email [email protected] or call 720-288-0048.
Also organizing Giving Tree campaigns is the Broomfield North-Metro Kiwanis Club which launched its “Giving Hearts” holiday promotion at Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School that runs through Dec. 2. Those interested in donating can stop by the school atrium or visit online to help provide a child with clothes or toys this winter.
A Precious Child is sponsoring Giving Tree campaigns at both FlatIron Crossing and Orchard Town Center in Westminster.
Unwrapped gifts need to be returned to Orchard Town Center by Dec. 9 and FlatIron Crossing by Dec. 16.
Patrons can stop by either shopping center or visit online to donate.
