Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. The world seems to be changing rapidly 09 drastically. The only thing I have to offer you is this: regardless of what’s happening, if you can find ways to stay happy and positive, things will feel easier to deal with. At least they have for me. I’ve witnessed, as most of us have, how change can affect people. For some it’s more intense than for others, but here are the things that I am consciously choosing to focus on. The beauty, power, positivity and strength of our communities. 

One of the many things I have chosen to do this past week, is find out what is going on in my community. I welcome you to the Gilpin County Food Bank. Since the strict closures of most facilities in Gilpin County have gone into effect, the food bank has implemented a drive-thru system that they hope to keep in place through May. That’s right. You drive towards the Gilpin Justice Center, check in at the stop sign, drive your vehicle right up to the Justice Center entrance, someone greets you and loads up your vehicle with awesome necessities. Just remember, for the safety and comfort of others, please remain in your vehicle.

The Gilpin Food Bank, as many other organizations, has seen a huge increase in the families that find themselves in need. From 70 households per month to upwards of 100 households per week! Needless to say, they were not prepared to serve such a massive volume. However, thanks to the generous monetary donations of residents, support from local casinos, Food Bank of The Rockies, The Mountain Backpack Program, The Emergency Food Assistance Program and volunteers, they are steadily keeping up with the need. I’ve been there myself and I will tell you that keeping up with the demand is no easy task. I also discovered that although the Gilpin Food Bank runs out of the Gilpin County Human Services office, it receives no county funding. “All our Gilpin County volunteers have stepped up wonderfully and we would be lost without all of them.”

In a time when the world is in such distress, it’s incredible to feel such love and support. It almost feels like a miracle. Canyon Cares of Coal Creek Canyon is another entity that comes to mind. Since 2006, they have been helping mountain residents get through the worst of times. They too have stepped it up. Networking and connecting with local human service departments, resources and charitable organizations to help their community. Canyon Cares has a new fundraising goal of $50,000 for their Canyon Cares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Last year alone, they gave $36,000 in assistance. As of March, they have already reached $20,000. Can you imagine what the total will be at the end of 2020? 

Canyon Cares is not only committed to helping their community during financial anguish, but they wish to bring hope and love to those they assist. They understand that the toll on many is more than just financial. It can be emotional, mental and even physical. If you can help, please do so. You’d be surprised how much a donation of even $5 can make a huge difference in a family’s life. Now more than ever, a lot of us are in a state of need. If nothing else, let’s help these organizations continue to help our communities. Don’t feel bad if you can’t help, remember, that by simply taking a deep breath, staying calm and focusing on only positive things, you too can do your part in turning rough times into pleasant ones. 

Both, the Gilpin Food bank and Canyon Cares, are humbled to the core and grateful to their donors, volunteers, staff and for the continuous thank you letters they receive. In my humble opinion, it is always vital to stay positive. Even more so, in a time of need. Yes, I feel bad for the world – for many reasons, but I know first-hand there are still things out there to be grateful for. Like, the Gilpin Food Bank and Canyon Cares – a couple of our local heroes.

http://www.gilpincounty.org/departments/human_services/emergency_assistance_and_food_assistance and https://canyoncares.org/

(Originally published in the April 9, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)