Bright Christmas, an Estes Park holiday tradition, will celebrate its 41st anniversary this year. Begun by Jean Austin in 1984 as a way to spread the joy of Christmas giving to families in need, the program provides gifts and grocery gift cards, said Mary Murphy, who serves as co-chair along with Nancy Almond.
And this year, the Estes Park Pet Association is providing gifts for pets, said Murphy in an interview with the Estes Valley Voice.
Operated as a 501(c)(3), Bright Christmas pairs sponsors with income-qualified families who have registered with the program. To respect the privacy of families, the organization does not disclose the identities of recipients to sponsors. Families can create a wish list that is shared with the sponsor, which includes information about the genders and ages of the children in the family, helping sponsors select appropriate gifts.
Murphy said that the organization also requests that the gifts not include electronics, bikes, or expensive, high-end items.
Last year, Bright Christmas served 110 families. This year, with many people on furlough because of the government shutdown and SNAP benefits being held back, the program is braced for an increase in need.
After families register to be recipients, sponsors are matched with a family. They have about a month to shop for and wrap their gifts, and then drop them off on December 10, 11, and 12 at the 18-hole golf course. Gifts are distributed on Dec. 13.
Murphy said individuals, families, businesses, and civic groups can serve as sponsors. For information on sponsoring a family, click here.
The program is seeking donations of both money and new children’s books in English or Spanish. Donations are tax-deductible. To make a financial donation, click here. Children’s books can be dropped off at Crossroads Assistance Ministry, First Colorado Realty, or Macdonald Book Shop, where a supporter can buy and donate on-site.
The last day for families to register as recipients is Thursday, Nov. 6, between 3 and 6 p.m. at Crossroads Assistance Ministries, 1735 Wildfire Road. Families are asked to bring a driver’s license or ID card, proof of residence in the Estes Park School District, and income information.
In addition to making Christmas bright for families in need, the Bright Christmas team also provides kids with school supplies, such as backpacks, folders, and markers, at the beginning of the school year. This year, the group provided supplies for 134 children in the Estes Park School District.
“Basic supplies for school are about $80. We try to shop that hard and find deals,” said Murphy.
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