Hi Bucket Listers. How was your Thanksgiving? Hopefully, you have had your fill of good food and company and are looking forward to a relaxing long weekend. If you are holiday shopping, remember to support our local small businesses as well. And please add community journalism to your holiday giving. On Tuesday, December 3, Bucket List kicks off our year-end fundraising campaign and we really need your support to unlock $10,000 in matching grants and raise the money needed to keep our journalism free. One other thing: be kind to one another during this season. For some, it’s merry. For others, it’s lonely and complicated, so let’s take care of those in our community who are having a difficult time.
Holiday Survival Guide for Political Differences
One of the stories we published this week comes from our collaboration with The Associated Press, and is about navigating the holidays with relatives who hold opposing political views. With another month of merriment approaching, these tips are a great way to keep politics from tearing your family apart. Check out the list for tips on how to avoid taking the bait, and focus on what the season is truly about.
Denver Nonprofits Urgently Need Volunteers
As Denver experiences record levels of homelessness, the burden on nonprofits to clothe, house and feed them and other marginalized members of the community increases. The strain on service nonprofits is particularly acute during the holidays when the need is greatest. In her story for us this week, Daianee Galindo spoke with multiple organizations about their need for resources and volunteers.
Podcast Spotlights Denver’s Homeless Crisis
Continuing the theme of addressing the needs of the unhoused, we are re-airing Mimi Herrick’s podcast interview with activist Randle Loeb about Denver’s housing crisis that first aired in September 2023. It is a great conversation, and unfortunately, many of the issues discussed, including skepticism about Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s plans and the need to take a more holistic approach to the issue, are still relevant.
If you’re looking for one tangible way to support the unhoused community, consider doing some holiday shopping at The People’s Pickles. You can learn more from Noah Anderson’s podcast from Thanksgiving 2022 with founder, Marcus Weaver. It is a cool program that is part of vocational training at the Community Outreach Service Center in Five Points and helps homeless or formerly incarcerated people reintegrate into society through a 30-day transitional job training program. Plus, they’ve got some pretty yummy pickles!
Local Schools Fear Trump’s Mass Deportations
After the holidays comes the new administration, and with it fears by students that are undocumented that they will be deported. Denver Public Schools and universities are already considering how they will protect those students and families that are vulnerable. The Associated Press recently featured Denver in its coverage of how President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policies will affect education and what administrators are doing about it.
If you want to do something fun to take your mind off things, consider visiting the Christkindlmarket, which is open at Civic Center Park until December 23. Our Daianee Galindo visited in 2023 to find out how we ended up with a German Market in Denver. The Colorado Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce organizes the Christkindlmarket, a European-inspired holiday tradition with wooden huts, sparkling lights and a festive atmosphere. If you’ve never been, it is a true German treat and an ideal place to do your seasonal shopping.
Since we started Bucket List, we’ve always believed in doing this together with our community. We bring you free, hyperlocal neighborly news without paywalls, subscriptions, memberships or advertising clutter, and if you like what we’re doing you support us with generous contributions. To continue providing trustworthy local journalism and mentoring the next generation of journalists through internships and apprenticeships, we’re kicking off our year-end fundraising campaign with a big goal: to raise $12,500 and unlock $10,000 in matching grants. This year, we’re fundraising through the Colorado Gives portal, so mark your calendar and wait until December 3 to donate so your gifts will be matched. Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting community journalism. Have a lovely weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
🟢 Visit our website for the latest stories and to contribute.
🟡 Sign up for our weekly newsletters.
⚫️ Follow our daily news feeds on Facebook and Instagram
🔴 Contact us with your story ideas.
🟡 Listen to our Podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
