donate to lift-up
LIFT-UP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential humanitarian assistance in the communities we serve. We have offices and food pantries in Aspen, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle and Parachute. The Extended Table Soup Kitchen serves warm, nutritious meals each Monday through Friday. LIFT-UP has been effectively and efficiently meeting needs in our local region since 1982, thanks to the support and generosity of our caring community.
Fallout from economy continues to impact local families
DEMAND STILL RAISING AT LIFT-UP FOOD PANTRIES
Despite signs of gradual improvement in the national economy, needs remain very high on the local front. The New York Times reported on April 30 that the U.S. economy “grew at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.2 percent” in the first quarter of 2010, “after growth of 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 and 2.2 percent in the third quarter,” citing consumer confidence as a major factor in that growth.
That confidence and growth has not quite reached our local region, as evidenced by higher numbers of people still turning to LIFT-UP’s six area food pantries. Through the first quarter of 2010, LIFT-UP served 7,752 clients (families or individuals), and gave out 9,544 bags of food, 33% more than last year at this time. Commodity recipients are also up by a third this year. According to LIFT-UP’s Executive Director, Mike Powell, “some people are saying that the economic downturn was slower to reach our area, and it may take longer for conditions to improve here than in other parts of the country.”
Although services increased 300% in 2009 over 2008, in March of 2010 LIFT-UP saw more people than in any single month last year, with 2,934 clients served. The areas of highest demand in March were Carbondale with 1,028 clients, Rifle with 980 clients, and Glenwood Springs with 508 clients. The Extended Table Soup Kitchen continues to see about a third more people than before the downturn in the economy, and served 4,451 meals through the end of April, an average of 1,112 per month.
“The community is still being very responsive to the needs, but stock turnover at our food pantries is extremely high right now,” said Mike Powell. “Non-perishable food items are always needed, but financial contributions really help too. We can buy food at Food Bank of the Rockies (in Grand Junction) for much less than folks would spend at the grocery stores, so their money goes a little further that way. We go over every two weeks and bring back a truckload of food for our pantries.”
Secure online donations can be made by clicking the DONATE NOW button at the top of this page, and food may be dropped off at any local LIFT-UP office. [link to LIFT-UP OFFICES page]
Please note that LIFT-UP’s Carbondale food pantry has moved to the new Third Street Center [link to http://thirdstreetcenter.net located at 520 S. 3rd Street, room number 35, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-12:30pm. The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 from 4-9pm.
LIFT-UP continues to depend on the generosity of our community in order to respond to the high local demand. As long as there are people in need, and a community that cares, LIFT-UP will be here to help.
LIFT-UP Acknowledges Supporters
LIFT-UP is grateful for the generous support received from individuals, businesses and churches throughout the region. The combined contributions of food, resources and time are essential to LIFT-UP’s effectiveness. We would also like to thank the following grantors and foundations for their commitment to funding our programs and services:
Aspen Community Foundation
Blue Tent Giving Tree
Carl H. Bernklau Unitrust
City Market CARES
City of Glenwood Springs
Daniels Fund
Defiance Thrift Store
Denver Foundation
El Pomar Foundation
Emergency Food and Shelter
Feinstein Foundation
Garfield County Human Services Commission
Pajwell Foundation
The Emergency Food Assistance Program through the State of Colorado
Town of Carbondale
Town of Parachute
Two Rivers Community Foundation
United Way of Garfield County
Vail Valley Cares
services provided
-Emergency Food
-USDA Commodities
-Thrift Store Vouchers
-Gasoline Vouchers for verifiable job interview or medical appointment
-Bus Pass for verifiable job interview or medical appointment
-Greyhound bus tickets available to Grand Junction or Denver for transients, someone stranded or someone with a medical appointment.
-Prescriptions
-Extended Table Soup Kitchen
-Referrals to other agencies