Recently I posted a ski coat for free on Facebook and was overwhelmed by the number of people who needed a free jacket. While many of us live paycheck to paycheck, others struggle for the basics and still others are generous with all they have. And… even if we don’t have a lot, where we live can feel magical. It’s free to explore the outdoors:The snow sparkles, the bright moon brings an ethereal feel to a night hike, cozy afternoons melt into early evenings.
This month we celebrate everyone, and all the local nonprofits, that make a difference. Salvation Army Vail Valley distributes meals, holiday baskets, finds places for weary travelers to stay. Small Champions guides those with challenges. Walking Mountains encourages everyone to engage in science and the outdoors. YouthPower365 celebrates every youth, every day. SOS Outreach shares key values, offers mentorship, while getting kids on the slopes. Bravo! Vail brings world-class music to the valley. Bright Future Foundation helps those survive domestic violence. Can Do Multiple Sclerosis helps families, and those living with MS, thrive. The Cycle Effect boasts that every young woman who participates in their programs head off to college, while Colorado Mountain College offers affordable education opportunities to all. Early Childhood Partners helps families with those hectic, but so crucial, early years and Eagle Valley Childcare Association finds a place where young children can thrive. EFEC helps with education funding and Habitat for Humanity works to give families a place to rest their heads. Vail Health Foundation supports the community with education and health plans. Catholic Charities had had one of their busiest coat drives yet. All together, they provided 561 winter clothes, 403 of which were coats (the others being snow pants, snow boots, etc.) On day one alone, they helped 100 people an hour.
There are so many organizations that strive to make a better life for all here in Eagle County. We’re grateful for them all and encourage you to get involved if you can, or if you need a hand—reach out. Someone is always there to help.
Learn more, visit www.EagleCoGives.org.
And thank YOU to everyone who donates, volunteers, organizes, reaches out and is part of making Eagle County a special place to live.