DONATION DRIVES

supporting famiLies during the hoLiday season

by Hunter Harrell

Creating holiday magic comes at a cost for many families. Purchasing gifts for children can place a heavier financial burden on parents struggling to stay afloat and satisfy basic needs, such as food and clothing. This year, one in four adults struggled to pay monthly bills. However, with a little help from the local community, families in need can also create indelible memories together.

LocaL giving opportunities A successful year for the annual Toy Run

Durango Harley-Davidson hosted the annual toy run in October. By moving up the date and changing the venue to the La Plata County Fairgrounds, co-owner and marketing director Catie Bird said it allowed for more space for attendees, which resulted in more donations.

With over 280 attendees who bought entry and raffle tickets, silent auction items, drinks from the bar, sponsorships and cash donations, Durango HarleyDavidson helped raise $13,500 to benefit Mercy Health Foundation Pediatric Oncology Unit, the VOA Shelter and Toys for Tots of La Plata County. Plan ahead to participate in the next Toy Run. Save the date: Oct. 9, 2022.

Four Corners Broadcasting hosts donation drives

For more than 20 years, Four Corners Broadcasting has been a big part of hosting donation drives to benefit families during the holiday season, said operations manager Kristin Dills. This year is no different.

In the past, Four Corners Broadcasting worked with Project Merry Christmas. When the PMC board dissolved the organization in January 2020, Four Corners Broadcasting shifted its efforts to support multiple organizations by holding several donation drives during the months of November and December.

Donations can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays at various locations to benefit local nonprofits. Each event includes a live broadcast to raise awareness for the benefiting organizations, and acknowledge the sponsors that support charitable efforts.  Nov. 27 sponsored by and located at April’s Garden supporting Durango

Education Foundation  Dec. 4 sponsored by and located at Durango Dermatology supporting

Durango Food Bank  Dec. 11 sponsored by and located at Kinfolk Farms supporting American

Legion Post 28  Dec. 18 sponsored by La Plata Electric Association located at 45 Stewart

St. supporting La Plata Family Centers Coalition

For more information about the events and wish lists for each organization, catch the broadcasts on Radio 101 (101.3 FM) and KRSJ (100.5 FM). Online donations will also be accepted on the day of each event at www.radiodurango.com.

Last year, local business owner Shera Johnson noticed the gap left when PMC called it quits. In addition to owning Massage Intervention, Johnson leads a Woman Within Circle that meets on Tuesdays, and moderates a corresponding Facebook group, Woman Within Durango.

At the onset of COVID-19, Johnson said women started sharing stories of the hardships they faced and the negative feelings they experienced as a result of isolation. In response, Johnson began a grassroots effort to connect community members while helping families in need during the holidays through a Facebook group titled Durango Project Christmas.

As more people spread the word of the opportunity to donate or receive assistance, posts populated the group page from both families looking for assistance and individuals hoping to help. Individuals connected with a person or family to sponsor via comments and messages to make arrangements to deliver items, such as clothing, food and toys for children.

The group assisted 50 families and distributed 60 cards with Walmart gift cards worth $100 cards for smaller families and $200 cards for larger families. In total, the effort raised about $4,000 it its first year, Johnson said.

This year, Durango Project Christmas has raised $1,050 of its $5,000 goal. To participate, see more information on the Facebook group page Project Durango Christmas www.facebook.com/ groups/427217445337851 or donate to the cause via the GoFundMe fundraiser page at www.gofund.me/f012edcd.

La Plata Family Centers Coalition (LPFCC) is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance and support to eligible families through various programs year-round. For more than 30 years, staff member Crayton Godac said the LPFCC held an annual toy drive to benefit the clients they served throughout the year. When PMC called it quits, LPFCC expanded the annual effort.

Godac said last year, the organization delivered gifts to 375 children, or about 125 families through the Holly Jolly Toy Drive. Christ the King Lutheran Church provides a space for the nonprofit to store the donations, which includes an abundance of clothing and toys, until it distributes gifts.

This year, LPFCC is offering more ways for community members to get involved to ensure the Holly Jolly Toy Drive is a success again. Residents can adopt an angel to shop for this season, or drop off donations at one of the sponsor locations below:

 Guild House Games at 835 Main Ave.  Kroegers Ace Hardware at 8 Town Plaza  Lewis True Value Mercantile at 311 Bayfield Center Drive  Maria’s Bookshop at 960 Main Ave.  Skin Inc. at 2143 Main Ave.  Twilight Toys at 600 Main Ave. Unit #105

Visit www.lpfcc.org/toydrive/ for more information.

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