Longmont Humane Society. (Photo courtesy: Longmont Humane Society).
Colorado Gives Day builds hope, joy and sparkle supporting local nonprofits
It’s nearly here–the most wonderful time of the year. And what exactly makes the holidays so, well, wonderful? It’s no secret: the true joy of the season of giving comes from the giving itself. After all, the jolliest merrymaker himself doesn’t take on the annual exhaustive trip around the world for cookies alone.
Here in Longmont, the spirit of giving is strong, with many families making efforts to give back to the community a tradition as staple as gingerbread. With Colorado Gives Day just around the corner on December 5, there’s no better time than now to kick off the season with generosity. Here are a few of our favorite opportunities to give back to our incredible community, supporting local nonprofits that make a world of difference year-round.
Longmont Humane Society
Since its inception just over five decades ago, the Longmont Humane Society has expanded from a turkey shed-like building on a small patch of land to a top-tier facility that cares for more than 4,000 animals a year. The exemplary team of more than 80 staff members, including a behavioral team works specifically with dogs, brings dedicated expertise to ensuring all animals receive the best care and attention possible while awaiting their furever homes, and they couldn’t be more appreciative of their 800 or so volunteers. “We always welcome volunteers,” says LHS Marketing Director Melissa Grosjean. “Every animal in our care needs attention—a walk, a cuddle, a clean kennel, some playtime. Every gesture of support is appreciated.”
• Volunteer: Volunteers are encouraged to commit to two hours a week if they can, but Longmont Humane Society will gladly accommodate whatever fits in folks’ schedules, Grosjean says. Volunteers must be 18 and older generally, but there is also a teen program that is very popular, and staff love having engaged youth as part of the team. To get started, view all programs of interest at longmonthumane.org/programs/volunteer. From there, you’ll be guided through the application process and directed to the required orientation options.
• Donate: “The economy has had a significant impact on our expenses, and donations are needed now more than ever,” Grosjean says. “Your donation supports our commitment to the holistic well-being of every furry resident. Our unique approach goes beyond providing food and shelter. We understand that each animal comes with a unique story, personality, and sometimes, challenges. That’s why we’ve invested in a team of experts who specialize in understanding animal behavior, creating tailored rehabilitation plans, and nurturing the emotional and psychological needs of our furry friends.”
In addition to supporting animals at their own facility, Longmont Humane Society also offers support to community members who are struggling to keep their companions with them during difficult times. This includes a pet supplies pantry open to anyone in need, discounted vaccines, affordable veterinary care services and more. To donate online, or make your gift in tribute to a person or pet, please click on the Donate tab at longmonthumane.org.
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. (Photo courtesy: Longmont Symphony Orchestra).
Longmont Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1966, the Longmont Symphony Orchestra weaves magic into the cultural and economic tapestry that is our thriving community. With a mission to enrich, inspire, and serve the area with a symphony orchestra recognized for its artistic excellence, LSO continuously works hard each season to bring a diverse range of spectacular community programs to Longmont and surrounding areas, going to great lengths to make these accessible to as many as possible. “We provide ticket outreach opportunities to our under-served communities, performances at senior centers, sensory-friendly performances for our neuro-diverse community, annual 5th-grade concerts for the entire St. Vrain Valley School District, a free outdoor concert in the park every July 4th, and so much more,” says LSO Executive Director Laurie Brook. “As a 501c3, we survive on the tax-deductible donations of our supporters to continue to maintain these wonderful programs in addition to our season concerts.”
• Donate: Visit longmontsymphony.squarespace.com and click on the Support LSO tab to make an online donation, as an individual or as a business. You can also participate in the Sponsor-A-Chair Program, supporting the Longmont Symphony Orchestra by sponsoring a chair or musician for the entire season. As a chair sponsor, your gift will be acknowledged in the LSO concert programs and on the website.
• Volunteer: Support LSO while enjoying programs and meeting other dedicated arts lovers! Volunteers are typically needed for concert day Front of House staffing (greeters, ushers, ticket takers, Will Call) and periodic help with special projects, including for the iconic, festive production of The Nutcracker. If you would like to volunteer for concerts and events, please contact the LSO office at 303.772.5796 or email info@longmontsymphony.org.
Local non-profit agency The Inn Between works tirelessly to help break the cycle of homelessness and help those who are struggling to build a better future. (Photo courtesy: The Inn Between)
The Inn Between
There’s no place like home—and nothing like the gift of home to change lives for the better. Local non-profit agency The Inn Between works tirelessly to help break the cycle of homelessness and help those who are struggling to build a better future. By providing affordable housing and supportive services for people facing homelessness in the St. Vrain Valley, The Inn Between offers a place of stability from which residents can work to achieve long-term housing stability for their families.
Since it was founded in 1993, the Inn Between has witnessed our community’s need for affordable housing for very low-income families and support for those facing homelessness. During this time, services have expanded from one building with 31 units to 88 units in six buildings around Longmont. In addition to this increase in housing capacity, The Inn has developed new tools and resources to meet the needs of residents, including Life Skills Training, a Scholarship Program, and an Education Center.
• Donate: Everyone should experience the security and dignity of home, especially children. When you donate on Colorado Gives Day December 5, a matching grant will double your donation up to $15,000! Just twenty-five dollars provides two days of housing and support for a resident. Visit theinnbetween.org/donate to make a contribution.
• Volunteer: The Inn Between has occasional volunteer opportunities for maintenance and special projects. If interested, sign up for The Inn Between volunteer list at theinnbetween.org/get-involved.
By Wendy McMillan, Longmont Magazine
