The holidays are upon us, and there’s no better time to embrace the spirit of giving! Meals on Wheels is excited to launch the Nourishing Neighbors Together campaign, which runs from November 1 through December 31. This season, your support goes beyond just a donation - it helps bring warmth, companionship, and nutrition to homebound and aging adults in our community. Whether you’re able to give financially, purchase holiday treats, or set up recurring gifts, there are multiple ways to get involved and make an impact.

Here are some of the ways you can help spread joy and nourishment to our neighbors this season!

1. Colorado Gives Day: Boost your impact with a matched donation

   One of the most impactful ways to support nutritious meals, social connections, and wellness checks this season is through Colorado Gives Day. Here’s how it works and why it’s special:

   • Early Giving Starts November 1 - You don’t have to wait until the official Colorado Gives Day on December 10. Early Giving begins November 1 and runs through December 10, allowing you to maximize your gift event before the big day!

   • Incentive Fund Boost - Every dollar donated during this period is boosted by a statewide $1M+ Incentive Fund. The more funds Meals on Wheels raises, the larger our share of this fund. Essentially, your donation goes further, multiplying its impact!

   • Monthly Giving Match - Thinking about setting up a recurring donation? It’s easy to do! Between November 1 and December 10, the Colorado Gives Foundation will match the first month of any new recurring donation up to $100. This means your ongoing support can have an even greater impact, providing a steady source of funding for home-delivered meals.

   Your donation, big or small, helps volunteers to continue delivering meals and social support to those who need it most!

2. Holiday Cookie Sales: A Sweet Way to Give Back

Love holiday treats? Here’s a way to satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting a good cause! Our Holiday Cookie Sales are now live, running through November 30. These cookies make perfect gifts for family, friends, and co-workers, and every purchase goes directly toward supporting Meals on Wheels services.

Why buy a box of holiday cookies?

• Direct Impact - Your cookie purchase will help more homebound and aging adults who need and depend on Meals on Wheels for nutrition and companionship.

• Thoughtful Gifts - These cookies aren’t just delicious, they’re meaningful. Giving a box of these threats is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and show you care about your community. Each box is handmade with love!

Order your holiday cookies today and bring some extra joy into the lives of our neighbors in need!

3. Support the Holiday Project: Give the Gift of Cheer with a Gift Card

This year, Meals on Wheels is excited to bring extra holiday cheer to our clients through the Holiday Project (formerly Santa Project). We’re requesting donations of $10 gift cards to make the season special for our 400+ homebound recipients. For many, this gift may be the only present they receive during the holidays.

Here’s how you can help:

• Gift Card Donations - We’re seeking gift cards in $10 denominations for stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, King Soopers, Hays Market, and Safeway. These cards allow our clients the freedom to choose items they need or want, adding a personal touch to their holiday experience.

• A Stocking Full of Joy - Each gift card will be tucked into a holiday stocking filled with goodies, generously provided by local churches and businesses. These stockings, along with the gift cards, will be delivered by Meals on Wheels volunteers, adding a special moment of joy and connection to each recipient’s holiday season.

If you’d like to contribute to the Holiday Project, please reach out to Sally to arrange your donation. Your small gesture can bring a smile to someone’s face and remind them they are remembered and valued this season. It’s all about connection!

4. SPREAD THE WORD!

One of the simplest ways to support Meals on Wheels is to help get the word out about the mission! Share this blog post with your friends, and family, or on social media. Encourage others to join in, whether by donating, buying cookies, or volunteering. The more people who know about this important mission, the more our community can do to support homebound and aging individuals in our community.

Why Your support matters

This season, Meals on Wheels is focused not only on delivering food but also on nourishing the spirit of connection and compassion. For many aging and homebound individuals, a visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer is not just a delivery of food, but a moment of human connection. For some, it is their only moment of connection. Your support means more than meals - it means someone has shown up, someone cares, and someone is helping make their day a little brighter.

Your kindness and actions strengthen this mission and help reach more people. The holiday season is a time of gratitude and generosity, and by getting involved with the Nourishing Neighbors Together campaign, you’re making a tangible difference.

FAQs

Q: How does the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund work?

A: The Incentive Fund is a statewide pool of over $1 million that will be distributed among participating nonprofits based on the percentage of total funds each nonprofit raises. This means every donation you make during this period increases the portion that Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud will receive.

Q: Can I donate after Colorado Gives Day?

A: Absolutely! While Colorado Gives Day is a great time to donate thanks to the Incentive Fund, donations are welcome throughout the Nourishing Neighbors Together campaign, which runs until December 31.

Q: How do I purchase holiday cookies?

A: Holiday cookies can be purchased directly through Meals on Wheels’ website. Sales are open through November 30.

Q: How do I donate a gift card for the Holiday Project?

A: Please contact our program specialist, Sally, to donate a gift card towards the Holiday Project. We’re looking for $10 gift cards for stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, King Soopers, Hays Market, and Safeway.

If you’d prefer to donate cash for our team to purchase gift cards and supplies, simply go to our Donate page, and indicate Holiday Project on the “Designation” Drop-Down menu during the donation check-out process.

Q: Will my donation be tax-deductible?

A: Yes, all donations to Meals on Wheels are tax-deductible as allowed by law. (Holiday Cookie purchases are not eligible for a tax deduction). You will receive a receipt for your contributions.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, let’s come together to make a difference and Nourish our Neighbors in need! Whether you contribute financially, buy cookies, donate a gift card, volunteer, or simply help spread the word - your kindness and generosity will brighten the lives of homebound and aging adults, bringing a sense of connection and care to those who need it most.

Ready to get involved? Let’s make this season one of warmth, kindness, and community. Thank you for being a beacon of hope to someone in need!