There is no lack of work for angels this year. The good news is that we all qualify, even in our human form. The job requires a heart of service, a spirit of generosity and a desire to lighten the burdens of others through compassion and good works. These qualities are accessible to each of us, and now is the perfect time to discover their potential.
Meet Ophelia, the Newest Evergreen Angel
How appropriate that the 2020 Evergreen Angel has been named “Ophelia,” which means “help” or “helper.” We have been assisted by so many angels this year—from our firefighters and first responders to our amazing healthcare workers and teachers. The “helper” angel could be the perfect gift for those who have come to our aid during a tumultuous time.
Ophelia is available at the Evergreen Gallery downtown. Part of the purchase price goes to support the many angels who work for Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. Despite the invasion of COVID-19, the team at Mount Evans has continued to deliver compassionate care to our mountain neighbors by providing in-home visits for individuals who are recuperating from an illness or injury, seeking palliative care, or in hospice.
While visiting the Evergreen Gallery to purchase your Evergreen Angel, be sure to check out the variety of one-of-a-kind art pieces created by local artisans. Pottery, jewelry, art glass, paintings and multi-media works make for unique, personal gifts and support area artists whose business has been severely curbed by the pandemic. If you prefer an alternative to an onsite visit, the Gallery’s website showcases many of its selections, and customers can arrange for a phone consultation and curbside pick-up. Go to theevergreengallery.com for more information.
Learning From Angels in Our Midst—Supporting INSPIRE
Angels are thought of as messengers who come into our lives to nudge us in the right direction. Many times, these teachers are in our midst and often, they are children.
Some of us have had the privilege of being reminded of life’s important lessons by being among the children in the INSPIRE Program. These youngsters have special needs—physical limitations, developmental disabilities, emotional challenges or a combination of these conditions. Yet, the genuine nature of their expressions, the unfiltered feelings they express and the kindness and appreciation they share are precious gifts. They teach us to connect with our true nature, to be more aware and to be grateful for the blessings we possess and sometimes take for granted.
This holiday, you can support INSPIRE while giving books to the children in your life. Usborne Books has books tailored to children from infants to young adults. Choices include activity books, fiction and nonfiction works and resources for at-home learning. Best of all, Usborne will give 50 percent of all retail sales to INSPIRE in the form of free books. Go to Books for INSPIRE for more information. If you have questions or need help with your book order, please contact Lara at
[email protected] or 303.746.2790.
Be a “Remote” Angel for a Child in Crisis
If you are called to volunteer and are discouraged because of the isolation that comes with COVID-19 restrictions, there is a wonderful way you can give back and brighten the life of a child: create a blanket with Project Linus from the comfort of your home.
Project Linus delivers soft, warm blankets to children undergoing medical treatment in hospitals and to children in crisis—especially those uprooted from their homes due to a fire, crime or domestic incident. Project Linus, founded by Evergreen resident Karen Loucks Rinedollar, also works closely with military organizations to give children blankets during the unsettling times when a parent is deployed, returning with a serious injury, or has made the ultimate sacrifice.
The international nonprofit invites individuals, service organizations and businesses to volunteer for blanket making. Blankets can be knitted, crocheted or easily created by tying the ends of pre-cut fleece fabric, with no special sewing skills required. To learn more about how you can make a difference for a child in need, go to projectlinus.org.
“Every Time a Bell Rings” Support the Salvation Army
“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings” is the classic line in the final scene of the heartwarming holiday classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The ringing of bells at this time of year has become synonymous with the red kettle campaign for The Salvation Army, which is the oldest fundraiser of its kind in the United States.
Like all nonprofit fundraisers in 2020, the Salvation Army’s holiday appeal has been impacted by the pandemic, with fewer kettle locations and a shortage of volunteers. Contributions support toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for those in need and a variety of social services programs. The Salvation Army is also taking online donations at salvationarmyusa.org.
One More Angel Got Her Wings This Year
On a personal note, I am writing this column as I anticipate the first Christmas without my mom, Gloria Marie. Gloria Marie always celebrated the holiday in a big way—and her angel collection took center stage. While there were many years when I felt a bit overwhelmed by so many cherubs taking up residence in her home, I must admit that I will miss being surrounded by my mom’s expression of goodwill and faith. I am comforted knowing that she has become my personal angel and will forever inspire and guide me.
