Step Up to Give Back
Showing others kindness has, perhaps, never been more important than it is at this moment in our history. With the holidays right around the corner, there are more opportunities available to give back to your fellow humans—and animals. Here in the valley, several organizations are accepting volunteers to make sure that everyone Around Aspen has the happiest possible holiday.
Aspen Homeless Shelter | 405 Castle Creek Rd # 16, Aspen, CO
The Aspen Homeless Shelter (aspensafetynet.org) exists to provide Aspen’s homeless population with hot meals and a warm place to sleep. As their website states: “The Aspen Homeless Shelter was founded to help those Aspen residents who have fallen on hard times. We understand that causes of homelessness are more complicated than it may seem. We do more than simply provide shelter to temporarily fix the problem. Committed to making an enduring difference in the lives of others, the Aspen Homeless Shelter address the root causes of homelessness to fully support our residents.”
Throughout the year, The Aspen Homeless Shelter also hosts benefits to raise money, such as the Aspen BBQ Cook Off, and Biju’s Little Curry Shop Guest Chef Dinner at Aspen’s Element 47.
According to the Aspen Homeless Center’s Director, Vince Savage, there are a few ways you can help Aspen’s homeless population:
Currently, they are partnering with J. Crew at the Mountain for their winter coat drive from November 13-19. Just bring in your gently worn coat or make a donation on their website, and J. Crew At The Mountain will give donors 20% off their total purchase.
If you are interested in any of the above, please call the shelter at (970) 544-5545.
Aspen Animal Shelter | Aspen Business Center, Aspen, CO
Animals need love, too. Drop by the shelter and grab a pup for the day and hike around our beautiful valley. Recognized as one of the top animal shelters in the U.S., The Aspen Animal Shelter ([email protected])has many ways for you to help with Aspen’s domestic animals. The Dog Walking Program ensures that residents get the human interaction they need, as well as plenty of exercise.
For all those animal lovers out there—including me—who miss their dog while traveling, here’s some good news: you can rent a pet! The Rent-A-Pet program allows visitors (and residents) to fill that void by renting a pet during your stay.
Pitkin County Senior Services | 0275 Castle Creek Road, Aspen, CO
According to Pitkin County Senior Services Program Coordinator, Mary Barbour, “it is the youth center for anyone over 60.”
As their website states, the Pitkin County Senior Services mission is to facilitate quality of life and independence for individuals over 60.
They provide seniors with responsive, reliable services and creative programs that enable residents and visitors over age 60 to remain as independent as possible within our community. This means that the volunteer opportunities are plentiful—from helping with one of their big fundraisers, to weekly or monthly opportunities, such as hot meal deliveries.
If you love to drive, check out their new program, called DASH–Drivers Assisting Seniors for Health. DASH is seeking drivers who are able to take seniors to medical appointments and other important meetings. To volunteer for DASH, email: [email protected] or call 970-328-7682 for Eagle County, or 970-920-5432 for Pitkin county. Any kindness you can share will be welcomed!
These are just a few ways to volunteer in the Valley. Aspen and its surroundings have plenty of options. If you have another volunteer opportunity to share, please send it our way; [email protected].
Aspen Homeless Shelter | 405 Castle Creek Rd # 16, Aspen, CO
The Aspen Homeless Shelter (aspensafetynet.org) exists to provide Aspen’s homeless population with hot meals and a warm place to sleep. As their website states: “The Aspen Homeless Shelter was founded to help those Aspen residents who have fallen on hard times. We understand that causes of homelessness are more complicated than it may seem. We do more than simply provide shelter to temporarily fix the problem. Committed to making an enduring difference in the lives of others, the Aspen Homeless Shelter address the root causes of homelessness to fully support our residents.”
Throughout the year, The Aspen Homeless Shelter also hosts benefits to raise money, such as the Aspen BBQ Cook Off, and Biju’s Little Curry Shop Guest Chef Dinner at Aspen’s Element 47.
According to the Aspen Homeless Center’s Director, Vince Savage, there are a few ways you can help Aspen’s homeless population:
- Make a cash donation
- Donate or help serve a hot evening meal
- Donate used “survival” gear such as clothes, tents, and sleeping bags
- Host a workshop such as resume writing or interviewing skills
Currently, they are partnering with J. Crew at the Mountain for their winter coat drive from November 13-19. Just bring in your gently worn coat or make a donation on their website, and J. Crew At The Mountain will give donors 20% off their total purchase.
If you are interested in any of the above, please call the shelter at (970) 544-5545.
Aspen Animal Shelter | Aspen Business Center, Aspen, CO
Animals need love, too. Drop by the shelter and grab a pup for the day and hike around our beautiful valley. Recognized as one of the top animal shelters in the U.S., The Aspen Animal Shelter ([email protected])has many ways for you to help with Aspen’s domestic animals. The Dog Walking Program ensures that residents get the human interaction they need, as well as plenty of exercise.
For all those animal lovers out there—including me—who miss their dog while traveling, here’s some good news: you can rent a pet! The Rent-A-Pet program allows visitors (and residents) to fill that void by renting a pet during your stay.
Pitkin County Senior Services | 0275 Castle Creek Road, Aspen, CO
According to Pitkin County Senior Services Program Coordinator, Mary Barbour, “it is the youth center for anyone over 60.”
As their website states, the Pitkin County Senior Services mission is to facilitate quality of life and independence for individuals over 60.
They provide seniors with responsive, reliable services and creative programs that enable residents and visitors over age 60 to remain as independent as possible within our community. This means that the volunteer opportunities are plentiful—from helping with one of their big fundraisers, to weekly or monthly opportunities, such as hot meal deliveries.
If you love to drive, check out their new program, called DASH–Drivers Assisting Seniors for Health. DASH is seeking drivers who are able to take seniors to medical appointments and other important meetings. To volunteer for DASH, email: [email protected] or call 970-328-7682 for Eagle County, or 970-920-5432 for Pitkin county. Any kindness you can share will be welcomed!
These are just a few ways to volunteer in the Valley. Aspen and its surroundings have plenty of options. If you have another volunteer opportunity to share, please send it our way; [email protected].