The treasure hunt for southern Colorado’s Empty Stocking Fund is back for a second year. In 2016, the organization exceeded its goal of raising $1 million and hopes this year it will raise even more. All day, the old Ivy Wild School has been filled with hundreds of envelopes containing prizes from local restaurants and businesses. A $10 donation gets you an envelope with a prize off the wall and donations at higher dollar amounts allow you to choose from even bigger prizes. “My favorite term you can be selfishly virtuous. You can get a prize while also donating. It’s a cool way to be involved [...]

The Home Front Cares has been providing one-time, emergency financial grants to active duty military and veterans in Colorado Springs and Denver since 2003. "The organization was initially started by two retired Air Force colonels, Bob Carlone and Joe Henjum, who wanted to make sure that the families of service members received support during deployments," says Eric Evans, executive director of The Home Front Cares. "We support active duty military and veterans of all eras," says Evans. "Our grants help with things like rent, utilities and transportation costs. We help keep the families of service men and women off the streets, help them get into a [...]

The Salvation Army has a big impact on Colorado Springs, which has a vast need, said Capt. David Kauffman, the nonprofit's El Paso County coordinator and corps officer. "Our mission unfolds a bit more every day," Kauffman said, "but we really want to serve families in an even greater way." The local Salvation Army offers a broad range of programs and services on its mission to meet the needs of all individuals. The Jesus-focused group offers Sunday church services in three sites and many Bible study and fellowship groups, he said. Its 220-bed shelter serves meals to hundreds of people daily. "We are doubling our capacity [...]

A sheared brain stem and badly bruised frontal lobe from a 2008 car accident left Veronica Corbelli, 15, with a lengthy hospital stay and uncertain future. Her mother, Dawn, sustained traumatic brain injury and several broken bones. Undaunted, Veronica spent nearly four months relearning how to eat, talk, walk and interact with others. "We went through an extensive amount of therapy - speech, physical and occupational therapy - and had to ask the help of others along the way," Dawn said. "We felt a need to give back." Westside CARES offered the Corbellis that volunteer opportunity, she said. "At first, Veronica wasn't in close contact with [...]

Whether it's down the street or across the country, when disaster strikes it's a given the American Red Cross will be on the scene to offer aid. This year, volunteers have trekked from the American Red Cross Southeastern Chapter with supplies to offer comfort to victims of hurricanes, fires and even mass the casualty shooting that occurred in Las Vegas this fall. The Red Cross also provides much-needed aid closer to home. The Southeastern Colorado chapter encompasses 18 counties where windstorms and house fires account for the majority of assistance. This is supplied by the Red Cross in the form of vouchers for temporary housing, clothing, [...]