Denver welcomes migrant families on a regular basis, and while their primary needs are food, clothing, and shelter, the city is also attempting to provide some holiday cheer to the arriving families with children.
A holiday gift drive is being held in Denver to gather clothing, toys, and school supplies for the kids of migrant families that are moving to the area.
Approximately 1,200 children are thought to be among the 3,000 migrants currently residing in local shelters, according to the city.
“What can we do for these kids? We were seeing so many of them in our shelters,” Denver Human Services spokesperson Jon Ewing said. “What can we do to make this holiday season a little better? They’ve been through so much.”
The city intends to give out the gifts on December 19, the toy drive goes through December 18. With only a few days remaining, the city encouraged residents to drop off in person rather than using an Amazon wishlist to prevent deliveries being delayed.
City of Denver collects toys for migrant children:
City of Denver collects toys for migrant children https://t.co/pD8QYvJUwD
— 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) December 14, 2023
A list of requested items based on need and age is available on the city website. To deter people from contributing things like bikes that aren’t allowed at the shelters, it also includes a list of prohibited items.
Children receive gifts for the holidays that make them smile, happy, and full of hope. And that’s a lot to be said for kids who have endured terrible things in order to come to this nation, according to Victor Arango, the proprietor of the Maria Empanada restaurants in Denver.
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In an effort to gather more toys for the city, the company, which was searching for ways to support it with its resources, will host toy drives this weekend at two of its restaurants with Santa Claus present.
“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 making an effort to concentrate on gathering gifts and clothes especially for teenagers.
On Saturday, December 16, visitors can visit Santa and drop off donations at the restaurant located on South Broadway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at the restaurant located on Platte Street from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The following city locations will receive donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Monday, December 18: