‘Tis the season! While important to do year-round, the holiday season is a time when we all tend to look for more ways to get involved in our communities and give back to others. So, look no further—we have 12 ways you can get involved and make a difference in northern Colorado during this season and any month of the year!
BONUS: #13: Only Available Through December 10!
Donate for Colorado Gives Day
Colorado Gives Day is a special day when Coloradans come together to support local nonprofits like Fort Collins Rescue Mission, creating positive change in our community. There’s also a $1 Million Incentive Fund that will multiply the impact of every gift.
Gifts made through the Colorado Gives Foundation from November 1 to midnight on December 10 count toward this year’s event.
1. Warm Hands and Hearts
The Mission shelters hundreds of people every night of the year and we are truly lifesaving during the winter months. Colder temperatures always put our neighbors experiencing homelessness and those on the brink of homelessness at risk.
You can help provide cold-weather items for people in need by donating to Fort Collins Rescue Mission! We prioritize items that are useful for individuals on the street as they are working their way out of homelessness as well as for program participants who are in need of new clothing items while at Harvest Farm.
“I would be outside until 7 a.m., shivering with one hoodie on. It was the one warm thing I really had.”
Tommy, Shelter Guest
2. Make a Difference with a Fundraiser
Start a fundraiser today to partner with your friends and family to raise funds to support the transformational programs and services at the Mission. Run to change lives, celebrate a milestone, give your birthday, and more—your fundraiser will make an impact!
3. Be a Part of Pathways of Hope
When you automate your monthly giving, you become a part of our Pathways of Hope monthly giving program. As part of this special group of monthly donors, you’ll receive regular updates, including stories of the lives you change, progress on our programs and services and ways your support helps our community.
4. Check Out Our Wishlist
A fire broke out in the kitchen at Fort Collins Rescue Mission in August, 2025. Thanks to the incredible response from the Poudre Fire Department and our staff, the fire was quickly extinguished and none of our shelter guests were injured, but the fire caused extensive damage to our shelter.
This is one of the hardest challenges Fort Collins Rescue Mission has ever faced. Still, our commitment to this community and to our neighbors experiencing homelessness is stronger than ever. You can check out our Amazon Wishlist to see what items are needed during this time.
5. Follow Along & Celebrate the Successes
63 New Life Program participants graduated last year from Harvest Farm, one of the many steps of stability that was taken by those we serve. Follow along on our social media platforms to see Mission “wins” such as our program graduates, individuals finding housing, the impact of our community, and more!
6. Donate Food to the Hungry
While the Mission does so much MORE than meals and shelter, the basic necessities are still so important, and we truly couldn’t show up for our community without non-perishable food donations!
“The work that the Mission is doing is more than just giving them food and shelter, it’s giving people whatever it is that they need to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient.”
Debbie, Meal Service Volunteer
7. Don’t Miss a Beat!
Stay up to date on all happenings and inspiring stories of change at the Mission through our blog and emails. Share what you learn with your community and learn about even MORE ways to get involved!
8. Use Your Vocational Skills
Sometimes the best way to volunteer is by offering your own vocational skills to the Mission. We always need professionals to volunteer their unique skill sets to help change lives.
9. Change Lives with Your Workplace
Companies that offer their support to the Mission and Harvest Farm truly make a difference! See the ways your office can get involved in changing lives by connecting with our Community Engagement Specialist today!
If you have any questions, please email MHarrell@FortCollinsRescue.org or call 760.271.7320.
10. Join the Goodheart Society
Your legacy donation will change lives for years to come. The Goodheart Society recognizes those individuals who have made estate plans or established life-income gifts to benefit Denver Rescue Mission. The Goodheart Society name honors the late Jim Goodheart, a former Mission guest who went on to serve as the Mission’s Director from 1909 to 1930.
11. Contribute through Stock Donations or IRA Gifts
Making a stock donation is an impactful way to support Fort Collins Rescue Mission’s work to end homelessness and donating stock is also fast, safe, and easy to do. Not only is it a simple process, but it also offers significant financial benefits for you and the Mission.
Are you 70 ½ years old or older? If you are, you can make a life-changing gift from your IRA account to Fort Collins Rescue Mission and potentially save on your taxes!
12. Join Our Mission to End Homelessness, One Life at a Time
Are you looking for meaningful work? Co-workers who treat you like family? Support our mission and vision and become employed or intern with the Mission in northern Colorado!
