I hope everyone had a great fall with the turning of the leaves and elk rut. Fall is always a treat in the Colorado Rockies and Estes Park. The holiday season will be here before we know it, and Newcomers has three main community outreach activities – Trail Ridge Quilters, Crossroads Ministry, and “We Believe in Estes Park.” Each of these efforts supports residents in the Estes Valley.
Trial Ridge Quilters is a special interest group started over 30 years ago. Members share a love of quilting and meet weekly to create hand-crafted items that are sold to the public, with all proceeds going to the Estes Park Health Foundation to directly benefit patient care.
Newcomers partners with Crossroads Ministry to gather canned food and boxed goods for distribution to Estes Valley families, so that they can prepare a hearty holiday meal. Crossroads has indicated that they need the following items for this holiday season. Select from the list below, and bring your donation to the November Wine & Cheese or the November Monthly Meeting. Please be generous, so that the less fortunate can enjoy a wonderful holiday meal.
- Canned cranberry sauce
- Stuffing mix (preferred boxed where you just add water/butter)
- French fried onions
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Turkey gravy mix - pouches or canned
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Apple sauce
- Canned fruit (pineapple preferred ~ however any fruit is acceptable)
- Cake mixes
- Cookie mixes
- Bread mixes
- Jiffy corn bread mix
“We Believe in Estes Park” delivers a Santa Claus experience all over town during the holiday season. Each event includes an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with elves, toy soldiers and North Pole creations to create a classic holiday experience. Please think about being an elf or a toy soldier – it is a blast – voice of experience. I am the largest elf, really.
“We Believe” is successful because of Newcomers volunteers, and it is a great way to bring joy to lots of small children and adults during the holidays. We need as many people as possible to be in the Catch the Glow parade. Ask any volunteer from last year – we had so much fun! The Newcomers group will march in front of the Santa and Mrs. Claus float. Let’s try to have over 50 Newcomers this year!
Barb Prentiss and her group are planning Santa Claus activities from November 23rd through December 14th. Newcomers partners with the Town of Estes Park, the Police and their Auxiliary, Estes Valley Community Center, Estes Valley Library, American Legion Post 119, Estes Park Lion’s Club, and the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. Please go to the Newcomers website to volunteer – you’ll meet lots of new people and have a ton of fun!
Sincerely,
Danny Gigax
President