DENVER — As migrant families arrive daily in Denver, they most urgently need food, clothing and shelter – but, this holiday season, the city is trying to offer a little joy to those arriving families with children, too.
Denver is hosting a holiday gift drive, collecting toys, clothes and school supplies for the children in migrant families arriving to the city.
Of the roughly 3,000 migrants living in city shelters right now, the city believes there are about 1,200 children.
“We were seeing so many kids in our shelters, what can we do for these kids?” said Jon Ewing, spokesperson for Denver Human Services. “What can we do to make this holiday season a little better? They’ve been through so much.”
The toy drive runs through Dec. 18, and the city plans to distribute the gifts on Dec. 19. The city created an Amazon Wishlist, but – with only a few days left – encouraged people to drop off in-person in order to avoid late deliveries.
The city’s website offers a list of requested items based on ages and need. It also lists items not approved for the shelters, like bikes, to discourage people from donating those.
“Getting a gift for the holidays for children gives them hope, gives them happiness, gives them a smile. And that's a lot to be said for children who have gone through hell to get to this country,” said Victor Arango, an owner of the Denver-based restaurants, Maria Empanada.
The company was looking for ways to help the city with migrant resources, and is now hosting toy drives with Santa Claus at two of their restaurants this weekend to collect more toy donations.
"What we’re trying to do really is create a sense of hope for these children by giving them an opportunity to enjoy their first Christmas in the states with something to make them smile.”
The Maria Empanada team is trying to focus on collecting clothing and gift items for teenagers, specifically. This Saturday, Dec. 16, guests can drop off donations and visit with Santa on at the company’s South Broadway restaurant from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. or the Platte Street restaurant from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Donations are accepted at the following city locations through Monday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.:
Arie P. Taylor Municipal Building
Montbello
4685 Peoria St., Suite 251
Denver, CO 80239
Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building (Atrium)
Downtown Denver
201 W. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80202
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