April is National Volunteer Month

April was designated National Volunteer Month in 1991 by presidential proclamation, following a 1974 presidential proclamation declaring the third week of April as National Volunteer Week. In recognition of the month, RTD seeks to honor all employees who volunteer outside of work, giving their time and talents to support their community, as well as offer opportunities to donate to two deserving organizations. We want to hear from you! Tell us about where you volunteer or have volunteered. We will feature stories from employees throughout the month of April. Email details to [email protected].

RTD will host an agencywide donation drive in April for National Volunteer Month. Employee participation is optional. The drive will kick off Thursday, April 4, and end Tuesday, April 30. Donation boxes will be provided to division locations for employees to drop off their items at their primary work location. Donation collection will be coordinated by the Communications and Engagement Department by Friday, May 3. Employees can donate items to one or both organizations listed below:

Gateway Domestic Violence Services, Aurora (undisclosed location for security purposes)

Gateway Domestic Violence Services provides a variety of services to individuals and families, including counseling, court advocacy and emergency shelter services. The organization was founded in 1979 and serves the City of Aurora and Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties. Gateway provides a 24/7 emergency hotline and offers support for pets of those who may be fleeing domestic violence.

The complete list of requested items, which can be found on Gateway’s website, includes the following:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hair styling products
  • Hair products for all types of curly hair
  • Soap / body wash
  • Non-scented soap and body wash
  • Body lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Dental floss
  • Lip balm
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers, sizes 5 and 6
  • Pet supplies (e.g., toys, bowls, blankets)
  • Journals and pens

Bienvenidos Food Bank, 3810 Pecos St., Denver, 80211

Bienvenidos has been operating in the Northwest Denver area since 1976. The food bank provides support to individuals and families throughout the Denver metro area. Bienvenidos also provides food to other organizations, such as Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Del Norte Veteran Housing.

Items requested by Bienvenidos Food Bank are listed on their website and include the following:

  • Canned chicken, tuna, beans, mixed fruit, corn and refried beans
  • Pastas, pasta sauce and bagged rice
  • Peanut butter, jelly or honey
  • Undamaged and sealed stews and soups
  • Boxed dry meals
  • Wrapped snack bars
  • New hygiene products such as soaps, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes

Have questions about the donation drive? Contact Betsy Hinojosa, Communications Business Program Manager, at [email protected].

Volunteer Resources

Multiple studies have shown that volunteering can support an individual’s mental and physical well-being. The act of giving back and connecting with others for a cause can make a positive impact on one’s sense of purpose and gratitude. Volunteering provides a way to learn new skills, make new friends and learn from others. While RTD is not sponsoring or coordinating off-site group volunteer projects, employees who seek to volunteer on their own can find simple resources to get started. Check out the following websites to browse opportunities that may spark your interest, or share them with others who may be interested:

VolunteerMatch is an online directory of volunteer opportunities. Find volunteer opportunities by cause and ZIP code, and even discover virtual volunteer opportunities.

Mile High United Way maintains an ongoing list of opportunities in the Denver Metro area.