Broomfield FISH Partners with Community

Broomfield FISH Partners with Community, Other Local Groups to Deliver Holiday Relief and Cheer

By Megan Mayes

Broomfield’s local food bank is meeting holiday needs and helping maintain treasured traditions even as it accommodates changes brought on by the pandemic. With increased community needs, FISH has adjusted its plans and approaches to continue providing food and family resource services amidst growing demand. The organization’s spirit of giving provides a message of strength and a lesson in charity for Broomfield during this time of life and this time of year.

Emily Joo, who leads Community Engagement and Fundraising for FISH, shared with us how the organization is meeting needs during COVID, persevering in holiday giving, and hoping to see a positive impact from Colorado Gives Day.

The pandemic has heightened needs for many families already experiencing struggles with paying for food and housing. Meeting these needs has always been the primary goal for FISH, but current community demands are far greater and on top of that, delivery methods have had to be completely revamped.

“Since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020, FISH has witnessed firsthand the skyrocketing need in our community! We are seeing more than double the number of families in need of food, a 50% increase in the amount of food we are distributing, and six times the number of emergency housing assistance requests,” she said. This all means that FISH’s hard working volunteers are distributing 150,000 pounds of food and $55,000 in rent and utility assistance each month. To make sure this is accomplished as safely as possible, food is given out through a drive up service and financial assistance is provided through remote appointments.

This year, FISH’s holiday distributions are focused on baking kits and hot chocolate kits for families receiving food assistance. There will be a drive during December to gather the supplies for the kits which will help bring holiday cheer to the families who receive them. Individual items can be donated or for those who wish to donate their time to build kits, a sign up sheet is available online at www.broomfieldfish.org. Families who would like to donate goods or time can also construct kits at home as a holiday bonding activity and then bring them to FISH.

Emily said, “FISH is incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Broomfield community. We would be unable to meet the needs of our neighbors without their support. If everyone who is able, gives what they can, we will make a huge impact on the future stability of our community.” There are many upcoming opportunities for those wishing to contribute. Monetary donations currently have the greatest impact for FISH to purchase necessary goods in bulk, as they are currently spending $80,000 more in operating costs than they normally would during this time of year. Financial donations can be made at www.broomfieldfish.org while food donations are currently being accepted at Broomfield King Soopers locations.

Broomfield community members can also help provide meals to others through FISH by simply enjoying a meal out. Broomfield’s Roots restaurant has an ongoing commitment to donate 5% of proceeds to FISH, and iPIE is hosting an All Day Dine Out fundraising event on December 8 at the restaurant with their food truck located at FRIENDS of Broomfield for a socially distanced block party.

Also on December 8, FISH is hoping for a significant contribution from Broomfield residents through Colorado Gives Day. Emily described this unique fundraising opportunity and said, “This is our second largest fundraiser of the year and we really appreciate everyone in advance for their important contributions.”

FISH is collaborating with FRIENDS of Broomfield, Bal Swan Children’s Center, and A Precious Child to strengthen fundraising efforts for the state-wide event and bring greater attention to our community needs for education, daily essentials, and support services for children, families, and people with disabilities. The easiest and best way to support these organizations is by visiting www.caringforbroomfieldtogether. org to link directly to donation pages and to learn about partner events from local restaurants that will be donating profits to the cause during December.

You can also search for each organization on the Colorado Gives Day website, and then schedule a donation to be made on December 8. These Colorado Gives Day donations are quite powerful as they are also supported by a matching gift from the Colorado First Foundation’s One Million Dollar Incentive Fund.

Please take some time this month to donate food, time or money to support these community organizations that care for our Broomfield neighbors in need. The holiday spirit of giving is the greatest gift of all!