With the Holiday season just around the corner excitement is high among Manitou Springs High School students for the upcoming festivities. Although the holidays generally bring cheer to the community, for many families it is stressful to find the money to fund all elements involved. With several opportunities around the area, mustangs can participate in local efforts to help families who need extra support this holiday season. 

Directly within the Manitou Springs community, several opportunities exist for helping local families. Angela Geick, the District Wellness Liaison, helps to coordinate many of these programs. “Each year families from Manitou Springs School District, local churches, Westside Cares and other community members come together to support those in need of a little assistance for the holiday’s,” Geick said. “We typically serve 40-50 families each year.” 

MSSD14 has its own food pantry and clothing closet open for donations year-round, another way to support the community at any time of year. The district also supports the Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls with these donations. This is an opportunity to provide assistance to Mustangs in the Ute Pass area. 

Manitou Springs Real Estate LLC is also accepting donations of gently used warm clothing through Dec. 2. They will be giving away the clothing on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with snacks and hot chocolate available as well.

On Dec. 10, Kiwanis is holding a breakfast with Santa at the Manitou Congregational Church from 8-10 a.m. “It’s just an opportunity for members of our school to go and interact with little kids and older citizens of Manitou and just kind of brings the entire community together for the holidays,” Sierra Dunlap (11), Key Club Secretary, said. The breakfast of eggs, ham and pancakes is $7 for adults and $3 for kids.

Key Club supports the school in almost all volunteer opportunities and service ventures. Mustangs looking to involve themselves in community service can turn to Key Club as a starting point. “You can come to a Key Club meeting and learn what service projects we’re doing, and you can get involved in them but not necessarily be a part of the club,” Dunlap said. “Anyone can join a Key Club service project.” 

The holiday season is a good time to get involved in the community and support local families with food, clothes and additional resources. There are tons of ways to volunteer and get involved. “Please reach out to me if you need any assistance with basic needs throughout the year. I would be happy to assist you as best I can,” Geick said.  “You can also reach out to me if you would like to make clothing, food or monetary donations.”