The snow is falling, lights are up, trees are being decorated, you know what that means: the holidays are fast approaching. The Air Academy community is generally a very fortunate group of people in that most of us have what we need and desire to make this season great. Unfortunately, many people in our city and our country don’t.

Most children dream of having food, shelter, and even presents during the holidays, but many families don’t have the means to provide that for their children. Luckily, there are many organizations in Colorado and worldwide that are here to help. Here are some organizations that you can either volunteer for or donate to:

The Springs Rescue Mission is funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. During the holidays, they provide meals, clothes, a place to stay, therapy, and other goods to those in our community who are in need. There are many ways to help. To learn more: https://www.springsrescuemission.org/ways-to-help/

The Home Front Cares provides assistance to Service Members and their families in the Springs and Denver. They use donations to keep veterans and active service members safe. The money can go towards utilities, rent, and anything else they need. Visit: http://www.thehomefrontcares.org/donate/donate

The Ronald McDonald House Charities are centered towards families of terminally ill children to keep them close during treatments. They house and provide food for these families. During the holiday season they provide donated toys to kids in these situations. To donate or volunteer: http://rmhcsoutherncolorado.org/volunteer/

One foundation that is very special to Colorado Springs is the Bob Telmossé Foundation, which is celebrating 35 years this year. Santa Bob delivered toys to under privileged kids in Colorado Springs for 24 years until his death in 2006. They have a “Fill the Hot Tub” event at Hot Tub Heaven under December 16th when the Annual Giveaway is happening. For more info: http://www.santa-bob.org/drop-off-locations/

Of course, these aren’t all the ways to help our community this season, there are many other events and foundations that give back over the holidays and year-round. Many stores have donation boxes to put new toys in. The Salvation Army Santas are out, and many other operations around town need donations and volunteers. Happy Holidays!