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Boulder County, Colo. – Each year, Boulder County government programs that work with low-income families reach out to the community in hopes of making the holidays a little brighter for these families. This year, many families are struggling with unemployment and are feeling financial stresses more than ever.

The Department of Housing and Human Services provides services to residents of low- income housing. Three programs in particular are in dire need of financial contributions to help people with basic needs such as groceries and household items.

Family Self Sufficiency helps participants gain education and skills to help them achieve higher-wage jobs and better living situations for their families. “The families in this program have very low incomes and are working hard to improve their conditions, but in the meantime they are worried about meeting just their basic needs and providing for their children, said Katie Frye, Case Manager at the Family Self Sufficiency program. “The holidays can be a financially difficult and stressful time for our participants.”

The highest-need participants submit a holiday “wish list” for their families. Sponsors purchase items on the list – but the program also gratefully accepts donations to help address basic needs, such as gift cards for grocery stores, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

Casa de la Esperanza provides academic support, recreational activities and enrichment opportunities for families on site plus another dozen families in the local neighborhood. These families are agricultural workers, working in local dairies, farms and greenhouses. As the growing season comes to a close in the cold months, the joy of the holidays is overshadowed by the Casa de la Esperanza’s families’ struggles to endure winter on a very tight budget.

Carlota Loya-Hernandez, Program Coordinator for the Casa de la Esperanza families, says that donations of school supplies, winter clothing, grocery gift cards, and presents for children are desperately needed.

Resident/Senior Services assists low-income seniors, and is seeking donations to help area seniors with basic needs. Gift cards for local grocery stores and department stores go a long way in helping seniors make ends meet during the holidays.

“Some of these seniors have expensive medications and other high medical costs. Buying groceries and clothing has to take a back seat for some of them,” Resident/Senior Services Coordinator Kris Durso said.

“We encourage people to be creative in finding a way to participate in these wonderful programs – if you can’t sponsor a family’s full wish list, set aside $5-10 a week to buy a gift card. Or, as many sponsors have done, pool funds with co-workers or friends to jointly sponsor a family,” Frye said.

To sponsor a family or individual this holiday season, please contact the program of your choice at these numbers:

• Family Self Sufficiency, Jennifer Franklin, 303-682-6717
• Casa de la Esperanza, Carlota Loya-Hernandez, 303-678-6220
• Resident/Senior Services, Kris Durso, 303-519-7152

SOURCE: COUNTY NEWS RELEASE