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Tag: 7everyday hero

  • 100-year-old Denver7 Everyday Hero still delivering Meals on Wheels after over 40 years of service

    DENVER – Every Monday morning, one Meals on Wheels volunteer and his sons do much needed work in their community. For some homebound seniors, it’s not just a hot meal, it’s a familiar face, a conversation, and a reminder that someone cares. Mel Faes is a 100-year-old World War II veteran who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for more than four decades.

    Richard Butler

    Mel Faes – Meals on Wheels Volunteer

    “To have these services and to have people who care about you lets you live your life out in dignity,” said Cathy Law, a project manager with Volunteers of America Colorado’s retired and senior volunteer program.

    Faes was born in 1925 and raised in north Denver. He joined the Army Air Force at 19 and served during World War II before returning home to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years. But for the last 40 years, Mondays have been reserved for delivering meals to neighbors who need them.

    “You can donate money here and there, but donating your time is more valuable,” Faes said.

    On his route, Faes is now joined by his sons, John and Jim, who began helping with deliveries about five years ago when their father stopped driving.

    “My dad, he’s a wonderful man,” John Faes said. “We can see how unselfish he’s always been his whole life, always wanting to do for the other.”

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    Richard Butler

    Mel Faes, John Faes, and Jim Faes driving across Denver delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors.

    While his sons handle the driving, Mel still insists on taking meals to the door whenever he can.

    “Doing the meals, sometimes you’re the only person they see all day,” Mel Faes said.

    That personal connection is what makes the program so important, according to Volunteers of America.

    “It’s nourishment for the body, but it’s also nourishment for their soul,” Law said. “Without volunteers, we couldn’t run our program.”

    Volunteers of America Colorado produces and serves nearly 3,000 meals a day across seven counties, relying on hundreds of volunteers to deliver meals to seniors who might otherwise go without.

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    Richard Butler

    For the Faes family, volunteering has become a shared experience.

    “It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to us,” John Faes said. “It’s a humbling experience. It’s good for both parties.”

    At 100 years old, Mel Faes shows no signs of slowing down.

    “If people ask him what his secret to a long life is, he says, ‘Keep moving,’” his son John said.

    That lifetime of service is celebrated with Denver7 and Levine Law recognizing Mel as a Denver7 Everyday Hero.

    “We nominated Mel because of his giving, humble, amazing spirit,” Law said. “Not just for his military service, but for the way he continues to give back to the community over and over again.”

    For Faes, the recognition is appreciated but it’s never been the reason he shows up.

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    Richard Butler

    “It’s not really work,” he said. “It’s something you love to do.”

    Volunteers of America Colorado says there is always a need for more Meals on Wheels volunteers. Those interested in delivering meals or supporting other programs can learn more and sign up on their website, where information about volunteer opportunities across the state are available.

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

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  • Denver7 Everyday Heroes marks 26 years with Catholic Charities’ Adopt-A-Family

    BROOMFIELD, Colo. — For Todd and Laura Clyncke, the Christmas season begins with a computer, a list, and what they describe as a calling to help families who may be struggling during the holiday.

    The Broomfield couple is in its 26th year participating with Catholic Charities’ Adopt-A-Family program, which connects donors with individuals and families seeking help during the holiday season.

    Richard Butler

    Todd and Laura Clyncke, Adopt-A-Family Volunteers

    “This world is still a good place and people still care,” Laura Clyncke said as she reflected on the importance of giving. “I think people are called to do things in their life, and we feel the calling to help others.”

    The Adopt-A-Family program is one part of Catholic Charities’ broader work across northern Colorado. Stacy Baum, the organization’s vice president of marketing and community engagement, said Catholic Charities operates dozens of programs, including shelters, affordable housing, women and family services, early childhood education and senior services.

    During the holidays, Baum said Adopt-A-Family helps ensure people served by Catholic Charities “aren’t forgotten on Christmas morning.”

    “There’s no way we could do the work we do without folks like the Clynckes’,” Baum said. “They are such exceptional examples of what it means to just give from your heart. They’re the kind of people who just do things from the bottom of their hearts, they’re amazing humans.”

    Todd Clyncke said the couple’s approach to giving has grown over time, shaped by the way he was raised.

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    Richard Butler

    Todd Clyncke

    “Giving becomes who you are versus what you do,” he said. “But you do it because of who you are.”

    When the lists of families are released, the Clynckes’ say they often chose the families that may be considered harder to adopt, including large families with children and teens, or households with adults who also need support.

    Laura Clyncke said she gets emotional sometimes when reading the items on families’ Christmas lists.

    “It’s things school supplies or socks,” Laura said with tears in her eyes. “And I know they need those things, but it’s really heart wrenching when you see those are things on a Christmas list.”

    In recent years, she said they’ve paid special attention to “kinship” families, which are households where grandparents or other relatives are raising children.

    “The grandparents are always so modest with what they put on there, and they’re really the ones making the sacrifices,” said Laura.

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    Catholic Charities of Denver,

    Todd and Laura Clyncke

    Baum said families like the Clynckes’ make a major impact because they don’t just adopt one family, they often take on several at a time and look for ways to do more each year.

    “They always look at what they can do, and they always look to do more,” Baum said. “And that is such a huge inspiration to all of us.”

    Last year alone, the Clynckes’ purchased gifts for nearly 60 family members through Adopt-A-Family.

    Todd Clyncke said he sometimes thinks about the moment those gifts are opened by families.

    “I think a lot about when they’re opening them, that hopefully they will feel the love that’s coming with that,” Todd said.

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    Catholic Charities of Denver,

    Todd and Laura Clyncke dropping off Christmas gifts to Adopt-A-Family centers.

    “The feeling we get when we drop the gifts off at the Adopt-A-Family Center and stand there and cry, even after 26 years, because it’s such a blessing to be able to do that outweighs anything that could happen on Christmas morning in terms of receiving gifts,” said Laura.

    Catholic Charities nominated Todd and Laura Clyncke for their decades of service, and Denver7 and Levine Law recognized them as this week’s Denver7 Everyday Heroes.

    “Thank you very much for this,” the couple said. “But again, we don’t feel like we deserve it. We don’t feel like heroes. We are just doing what we need to do.”

    As they return for another year of giving, the Clynckes’ hope families seeking help this Christmas feel loved and cared for.

    “You can’t take it with you, so you might as well do something good with it while you can,” Laura said with a smile.

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Richard Butler

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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero honored for years of service with the Salvation Army

    BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Outside a busy King Soopers in Broomfield, volunteers are ringing bells and greeting shoppers as part of a decades-long effort to raise money for neighbors in need during the holiday season.

    Richard Butler

    Bill Duclos – Salvation Army, Broomfield Advisory Council President

    The Salvation Army relies on donations from its annual red kettle campaign to support local families struggling with rising costs, including rent, utilities, groceries and holiday gifts for children and seniors.

    “All the money that’s raised here goes into the local Salvation Army to support their local community,” said Capt. Miguel Morales with the Salvation Army’s Broomfield Corps.

    Morales said demand for assistance has increased as expenses continue to rise, making community support more important than ever during the holidays.

    Helping make that support possible are volunteers from the Foothills Kiwanis Club of Boulder Valley, which has partnered with the Salvation Army for decades. Members of the club say they have been bell-ringing since at least 1984, raising nearly three-quarters of a million dollars for local programs.

    Bob Mohling, a Kiwanis member and Salvation Army advisory board volunteer, said he first started ringing bells decades ago.

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    Richard Butler

    “I started ringing the bell in 1975, so this is my 50th year of ringing the bell,” Mohling said.

    The Foothills Kiwanis Club focuses on service projects that support children and families, including scholarships, youth programs and community partnerships. One of its largest commitments each year is the Salvation Army’s holiday kettle campaign.

    Volunteers fill shifts from the week before Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, ringing bells six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    One of the people helping organize those efforts is Bill Duclos, a Kiwanis member and president of the Salvation Army Broomfield Advisory Council. In addition to ringing bells himself, Duclos coordinates the volunteer schedule at the King Soopers location.

    “We know where the money is going and where the funds are going from this kettle. It’s going to help the local community, it’s going to help kids, it’s going to help folks that need it,” said Duclos.

    Duclos said he got involved after retiring about six years ago and looking for ways to give back to the community. Last year, Duclos said the single kettle at the King Soopers location raised about $25,000. He says even small donations add up to make a meaningful difference.

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    Richard Butler

    Bill Duclos – Salvation Army, Broomfield Advisory Council President

    Morales said Duclos’ impact goes beyond the holidays. Saying Duclos volunteers year-round, helping with events, community programs and facility projects at the Salvation Army’s Broomfield community center.

    “Bill is very warm. He’s a great coach, he’s compassionate,” said Morales.

    Mohling said Duclos’ leadership and commitment help keep volunteers engaged and programs running.

    “It is a team effort, but Bill has really been active,” Mohling said. “He’s got a servant heart, plus he’s a good leader.”

    Because of that dedication, Bill Duclos is Denver7 and Levine Law’s newest Denver7 Everyday Hero.

    “It’s quite an honor, and there’s a lot of people in need,” Duclos said. “And that’s what it’s all about, helping people.”

    Duclos said he hopes the red kettle campaign continues to remind people that help is available and that generosity, even in small amounts, can have a big impact.

    The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to help ring bells through Christmas Eve. Shifts are typically two hours long, and volunteers can sign up online through The Salvation Army’s Colorado website. Those interested can also contact their local Salvation Army Corps in Broomfield for more information on available bell-ringing locations and times.

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Richard Butler

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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero honored for expanding sports access in rural Colorado

    FORT MORGAN, Colo. – On Sunday afternoons at Fort Morgan Middle School, the sound of whistles and bouncing basketballs fills the gym as girls from across northeast Colorado gather to compete, learn and stay active, weeks before their school basketball seasons even begin.

    For many of them, this league is the only opportunity they have to keep improving their skills between seasons.

    Richard Butler

    “We get together and we have competitive basketball. We teach the fundamentals. We teach good sportsmanship,” said Russell Jones, a Brush Middle School girls’ basketball coach.

    The league is part of Northeast Colorado (NECO) League Sports, a youth athletics program created 12 years ago to give rural communities a place to play. In small towns like Brush, Akron and Yuma, school gyms can be limited, and youth programs often struggle with numbers. NECO helps bring those teams together under one roof.

    “For a lot of these small towns, we try to play town leagues, but it’s hard to do with the numbers,” said Merle Grauer, an assistant girls basketball coach in Akron. “When we have opportunities like this, we can bring all these small communities together.”

    Behind all the scheduling, officiating, communication and gym coordination is volunteer Damon Mussman.

    Mussman is the founder of NECO League Sports and the organizer behind every season. When he’s not refereeing games on Sundays, he’s lining up gym space, making brackets, coordinating coaches and ensuring every game has referees and scorekeepers.

    And he does all of it after his full-time job as the general manager at Wickham Tractor Company in Fort Morgan.

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    Richard Butler

    “This is not my full-time job,” Mussman said. “I do this as a side gig. It honestly started all those years ago with my kids growing up and wanting to give them a better option when it came to basketball and volleyball.”

    Today, that “side gig” has grown into a regional program serving nearly 2,000 student athletes through fall volleyball, fall girls’ basketball, and winter basketball leagues for boys and girls.

    “If this didn’t exist, a lot of these girls would be doing absolutely nothing until after Christmas,” Mussman said. “This gives them something to participate in and still be a part of something.”

    Lainey Jones, a 12-year-old from Brush Middle School, said the league helps her stay sharp between school seasons.

    “NECO is like an offseason. You can still practice your skills,” she said.

    Coaches say Mussman’s impact extends far beyond scheduling games.

    “They’re learning teamwork, they’re learning to work hard… They’re learning life lessons whether they know it or not,” Jones said. “It’s such a blessing to have something like this in your backyard. A lot of kids don’t. Some families have to get up at three or four in the morning to travel to compete.”

    “It’s been an amazing impact for Northeast Colorado,” Grauer said. “The amount of work that goes into making it successful, it’s extreme.”

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    Richard Butler

    Mussman said he never expected the league to become as large as it has, but seeing families fill the gym each week reminds him why he continues.

    “I did this for the kids. Still do it for the kids,” Mussman said. “I love every second of what I do.”

    As the league continues to grow, Mussman says he hopes NECO’s impact keeps spreading to new communities across the Eastern Plains.

    “I love doing it, and as long as I can do it, I’m going to keep going,” he said.

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero provides thousands of tennis racquets to Colorado kids

    DENVER – When you give a kid a racquet, you give them more than a chance to hit a ball – you give them a shot at belonging. For more than 17 years, Tom Talmadge has been making sure cost isn’t a barrier to that opportunity.

    Talmadge co-founded Racquets for All in 2008 with the help of the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation. What began as a way for tennis players to put their old racquets to good use has grown into a statewide effort that has collected and redistributed more than 12,500 racquets and nearly 100,000 tennis balls to kids and schools across Colorado.

    Jordan Ward

    “We gather racquets and clothes from other tennis players that don’t want them anymore, and then I restring them or rewrap the grips and bring them out here for kids who can’t afford them,” Talmadge said.

    Unlike large nonprofits with paid staff and overhead, Racquets for All is entirely volunteer-driven. Storage space has never been an issue, thanks to Talmadge’s generosity. His basement has doubled as the sorting hub for donated gear since day one, saving the program thousands of dollars.

    “When we first started, we were trying to figure out what to do in terms of storage of racquets,” said Rachel Morley with Racquets for All. “Tom offered up his basement. And his basement has been our storage facility since the start.”

    Kristy Harris with USTA Colorado said the program answers a question she hears often from former players: “Who could I give my used racquets to? They’re still in really good shape. I’d love to make sure they go to someone who could really use it.”

    For families, the cost of tennis gear is often the biggest obstacle to getting kids involved.

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    Jordan Ward

    “One of the biggest barriers in sports is access to equipment,” said Anne Ginnold, a guest teacher at the Steven Nash Tennis Academy. “If you go to a club, it’s expensive. And a lot of kids and families can’t afford it.”

    That’s where Talmadge steps in. Not only does he restring, regrip, and prepare racquets himself, but he also delivers them, sometimes driving two hours each way to hand-deliver gear to schools in places like Pueblo and Fort Morgan.

    To date, thousands of kids have picked up a racquet through the program, some going on to play in high school, college, and beyond. “It’s amazing to hear the stories of kids who pick up a racquet through Racquets for All and make it a sport that they choose to play in high school, college, and beyond,” Morley said.

    For many in Colorado’s tennis community, Talmadge’s impact goes far beyond the game. “It matters and he sees how it matters, way beyond tennis,” Harris said. “Racquets for All absolutely would not be the program it is today without Tom.”

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Richard Butler

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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero honored for fighting hunger through food bank internship

    DENVER – At Food Bank of the Rockies, thousands of meals are prepared every day for children in after-school programs who might otherwise go home hungry. Among the chefs and volunteers who make it possible is 16-year-old Enrique A. Leal-Zubia, a junior at Arrupe Jesuit High School.

    Through the school’s corporate work study program, Enrique spends every Monday interning in the kitchen at the Food Bank. Since his freshman year, he has logged nearly 700 hours helping to prepare meals – a commitment that will surpass 1,200 hours by the time he graduates.

    Food Bank of the Rockies

    Casa Bonita Executive Chef Dana Rodriguez joins John Knight and Enrique A. Leal-Zubia at Food Bank of the Rockies to make tamales.

    (See video story: https://youtu.be/0chgri0iy5E?si=bOiIGXW84FQ_VgNU)

    One of his favorite memories occurred during his first year at the food bank, when he spent the morning making tamales alongside Chef Dana Rodriguez, the executive chef of Casa Bonita. Leading up to Navidad, the Food Bank distributes ingredients used in traditional tamales, and Rodriguez shared her personal recipe to highlight the importance of culturally familiar foods in serving the community.

    “These kids sometimes might not be able to eat at home, so it’s very important for them to make sure they eat during the day, at least,” Enrique said. “Being able to provide it for them is honestly just a great feeling, and I’m glad I get to be a part of it.”

    Food Bank of the Rockies executive chef John Knight said Enrique has grown into a trusted member of the team.

    “He’s been here almost as long as I have,” Knight said. “Our Monday regulars are always looking forward to working with Enrique, and he’s become someone we all look for in the kitchen.”

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    Richard Butler

    The work-study program provides students with hands-on job experience while helping to cover a portion of their tuition. Cecilia Nuñez, a program associate at Arrupe Jesuit, said Enrique’s growth has been remarkable.

    “I’ve met him as a freshman and seeing him now as a junior – just grow into this man for others, it’s amazing,” she said.

    Enrique’s parents, Enrique and Yadira, say their son’s dedication doesn’t surprise them. Between sports, youth group, and his internship, they describe him as a busy but kind-hearted teen.

    “He does it from his heart, and he enjoys it,” Yadira said. “We’re really proud of him, and we tell him every day just keep pushing, and big things will come.”

    Enrique was surprised by the Denver7 Everyday Hero award, presented by Denver7 and Levine Law. His parents were secretly invited to witness the recognition.

    “This is the last thing I expected,” Enrique said after receiving the award. “I didn’t even know my parents were here!”

    For Enrique, the honor is about more than the hours logged in the kitchen. He hopes his work sets an example for other young people.

    “What this means for me personally is that I get to be a good role model for kids. I really like working here, especially because of the cause,” he said.

    Monday, September 22, kicks off Denver7’s 7 Days to Help End Hunger campaign. The annual week-long campaign raises funds to fight food insecurity across Colorado.

    To show your support, you can donate by scanning the QR code below or clicking here to go to our 7 Days to Help End Hunger donation page.

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    Denver7

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero carries on a family legacy of volunteering at Rose Medical Center

    DENVER — At HCA HealthOne Rose Medical Center, volunteers are often the first faces patients see when they walk in the door. Their work goes beyond directions and paperwork – they bring calm, comfort, and compassion to people navigating some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

    Few embody that spirit better than Joann Dawe, a volunteer at Rose for nearly 25 years – and the third generation in her family to serve the hospital.

    “Rose truly is a special place,” said Casey Guber, president and CEO of Rose Medical Center. “Volunteering and giving back to the community is core to who we are.”

    Joann Dawe

    Dawe’s connection to Rose began at birth. She is one of the hospital’s earliest “Rose Babies,” born there in 1950. Her mother, Naomi, and grandmother, Nellie, were both longtime volunteers. Dawe’s daughter and three grandchildren were also born at Rose, continuing a family tradition.

    That history became deeply personal for Dawe in 2001, when her mother passed away. “I started volunteering here in 2001 after my mother passed away,” Dawe said. “My mom was taking care of the books, and the volunteer coordinator didn’t know anybody else who could do that, so I would come in once a month, even while I was working full time.”

    What began as stepping in to help became a lifelong calling. Today, Dawe divides her time between the hospital’s main information desk and the human resources department. At the desk, she greets and directs patients and families, often walking them personally to appointments. In HR, she organizes files, prepares orientation packets, and assists with flu clinics and special projects.

    “She’s my go-to volunteer,” said Megan Brotherson, volunteer coordinator and director of rehab services. “She works both at the front desk and in human resources, and she trains our new volunteers. She’s extremely patient, always smiling, and even when five people are waiting at once, she stays calm and makes sure everyone feels cared for.”

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    Richard Butler

    Colleagues say Dawe’s impact is immeasurable – freeing up staff to focus on patient care while ensuring visitors never feel lost or alone. She also takes on small but meaningful tasks, like delivering menorahs to every department during Hanukkah, helping Rose celebrate its community roots.

    “Joann’s wonderful,” Guber said. “She’s an integral part of our team. Seeing her give back in the ways she does really just comes full circle.”

    For Dawe, the motivation is simple – giving back to the community where she was born and raised.

    “It’s just something that I do because it makes me feel good, and I know that it’s helping the hospital,” she said. “If you’re looking for a way to help others, volunteering is one of the best things you can do.”

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

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  • Colorado couple putting on charity golf tournament for 20 years raises $3 million+ for local nonprofits

    Colorado couple putting on charity golf tournament for 20 years raises $3 million+ for local nonprofits

    LONGMONT, Colo. — Eighteen holes for charity at the Ute Creek Golf Course. It’s a yearly event, as authentic as the restaurateurs who put it on.

    “People have stated numerous times that this event here is one of the best golf tournaments they’ve ever come to — and then we provide them Santiago’s, of course,” said Carmen Morales, the CEO of Santiago’s.

    One of her three daughters, Rachel Wells, and her husband, Shawn, have helped make it all happen every year since 2004.

    “We raised $1,200, and we just said, we can give back this way,” said Rachel Wells. “People started catching on and wanted to be a part of it, and they’re the ones who made it big.”

    Over the years, they have raised over $3 million for various nonprofits. This year, they’ve raised money for the Anchor Center for Blind Children.

    “It’s not just that we’ll pick somebody and give them to a great cause,” said Shawn Wells. It’s personal to us, too.”

    Personal, because the customers who donate at their restaurants and the golfers who play are considered family.

    “For every person who did it, who rounded up, who gave $1, who bought a chocolate — we are so thankful to you,” said Rachel, “It’s because of them that we’re successful, not because of us,”

    So, while the center of attention this day was the $450,000 raised in this tournament for the Anchor Center, Denver7 and West Shore Home had a different surprise in store for Rachel and Shawn—as we’re honored to call them both this week’s Everyday Heroes!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Special Olympics coach making a difference in young athletes’ lives honored as Everyday Hero

    Special Olympics coach making a difference in young athletes’ lives honored as Everyday Hero

    AURORA, Colo. — Year-round sports training for young athletes with disabilities. That’s the mission of Special Olympics Colorado — but it wouldn’t be possible, without volunteers stepping up to coach the children. Enter, John Larchick.

    “My son, Jaymin, he’s on the team. He’s been involved with Special Olympics for quite a few years,” recalled Larchick. “I’ve coached soccer, baseball, basketball, so I’ve kinda done the things my son has done, mainly.”

    And at this basketball scrimmage in Aurora — Larchick teaches the athletes teamwork, and gives them an opportunity to develop their skills on the court.

    “It’s been amazing to see them with the respect level for each other, learning how to play together as a team, getting and following instructions,” said Larchick. “You can see the parents going, ‘Wow, I didn’t know my kid could do that or would do that,’ and so you see that growth over the years with the kids.”

    “His attitude towards the kids… he doesn’t just coach, but he just really coaches with his heart,” said Mary Stratton, a coordinator with Special Olympics Colorado. “He’s always willing to put in the effort, the time, and he really makes a difference in these kids lives.”

    That difference — driving parents of Special Olympics athletes to honor his commitment to coaching — by awarding John Larchick as this week’s Denver7 Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Man brings sweets to put smiles on faces of nurses, staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado

    Man brings sweets to put smiles on faces of nurses, staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado

    AURORA, Colo. — Bill LaJoie must have been destined to spread happiness.

    “LaJoie—it means Joy,” he said. “What a great name, what a great deal. Thank you, Mom and Dad!”

    Every Tuesday at Children’s Hospital Colorado, he brings joy— with a bit of help from sugar and caffeine. LaJoie’s cookie cart is known throughout the hospital.

    “We usually get a message from our secretary that Bill’s on the unit — and everybody just kind of flocks to [him],” said Tara Brown, a nurse in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

    “There’s nothing like either a dose of sugar, and in some cases, if there’s icing on the cookies, a double dose, to really put a smile on somebody’s face,” said LaJoie.

    LaJoie said it’s the least he can do for the nurses who work tirelessly — especially those in the high-pressure NICU and pediatric intensive care environments.

    “When I was roaming around a little bit earlier, there was an emergency, and you see everybody getting up immediately to deal with it,” LaJoie recalled. “When you’re under that kind of pressure, seeing this little car come down the hall, all of a sudden it’s Christmas.”

    But this week, Denver7 is delivering something of our own to LaJoie for his 21 years of volunteering — the honor of being an Everyday Hero!

    “The one thing about Children’s is that whenever you leave, you always feel better than when you walked in,” said LaJoie, “And that is exactly how I’d summarize my experience here.”

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Retiring grief camp director celebrates decades of serving Colorado children

    Retiring grief camp director celebrates decades of serving Colorado children

    EVERGREEN, Colo. — After decades of making a difference for Colorado children, Sallie Wandling is celebrating with her colleagues with a well-earned retirement party.

    “Everyone knows Sallie Wandling across these foothills because of her work as a social worker, as a therapist, counseling, and then with Camp Comfort,” said Keri Jaeger, president and CEO at Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice.

    Wandling founded Camp Comfort in 1995. It’s a program for kids dealing with the loss of a loved one.

    “Thirty years ago I was running a grief group for children and looked around the room — there were five of them,” remembered Wandling. “I realized there wasn’t anything else really for children’s grief, because it was a long time ago.”

    Since then, the camp has given a safe space for nearly 2,000 kids to grieve, to be among other kids going through similar things while also giving them the chance to be kids.

    “They do a workshop on grief, and then they will do zipling,” said Wandling. “They’ll do maybe, a feelings workshop, and then they’ll go fishing.”

    “They’re really coming forward with a strong emotional psyche when they’re coming out of the camp, and we see that again and again with the kids that participate,” said Jaeger.

    So much so that many participants return years later as volunteers.

    “We have had probably 20 volunteers that were campers when they were kids,” said Wandling. “That’s how much it meant to them.”

    And while Camp Comfort will continue on their mission at no cost to any of the campers, after a 34 year career, Wandling is hanging up her camp counselor boots.

    “We age out of things,” said Wandling. “The kids don’t get any older, but I do!”

    So for her years of service, we’re honoring Sallie Wandling as this week’s Denver7 Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Retired colonel honoring fellow veterans at Colorado retirement community receives honor of his own

    Retired colonel honoring fellow veterans at Colorado retirement community receives honor of his own

    HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — More than a thousand retirees call Wind Crest Senior Living their home, and many of them are veterans. But seven years ago, most of these veterans were unaware of just how many retired armed service members were their neighbors.

    That’s when Colonel Tom Puckett decided to step in by creating the Veterans Committee at Wind Crest, and he’s come a long way.

    “The whole basis of our program, in our first meeting, was to show appreciation for what they’ve done,” said Puckett. “And to recognize the level of service that they and their spouses have provided.”

    Puckett and the committee brought in the Quilts of Valor program, which has given over 100 quilts to veterans there so far. They’ve brought in speakers, helped with VA benefits, and a whole lot more for the 250+ veterans who live there.

    Garry Mitchelmore, a retired vet at Wind Crest, knows just how hard the committee works.

    “One thing it has done for me, is get me a ride when I needed it,” he said.

    He’s talking about a free scooter through the VA program, made possible by the continued service of people like Tom Puckett.

    “He’s just been the spark plug [of the] Veterans Committee,” Mitchelmore said. “We just can’t say enough about Colonel Tom.”

    It’s all a part, of why we’re honored to call Tom Puckett, this week’s Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • 5 million meals packed for starving children worldwide, thanks to efforts of two northern Colorado men

    5 million meals packed for starving children worldwide, thanks to efforts of two northern Colorado men

    LOVELAND, Colo. — Good vibes, for a good cause. That’s the idea behind the northern Colorado food packing event Slammin’ Famine — which brings volunteers in the community together, to pack and ship meals around the world for hungry children.

    “We get people excited when they pack a box, and that’s really part of why people come back,” said Brian Zonnefeld, one of the co-founders of Slammin’ Famine. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of hours, but as soon as we step in here and see the impact here and abroad — it makes everything worthwhile.”

    And at this packing event, hundreds of people came out to support their mission.

    “In two hours, the average volunteer’s gonna pack enough meals to help feed a kid for about seven months,” said Eric Dowdy, the co-founder of Slammin’ Famine.

    Together, these two men are celebrating a major milestone.

    “The very first time we did this, I think we packed over 500,000 meals or so,” recalled Dowdy, “And here we are, 12 events later, celebrating five million meals. That’s thousands and thousands of kids that are literally fed for an entire year, who are being saved from starvation.”

    “They spent endless time, and resources, fundraising, logistics, planning,” said Phyllis Courtney, the project manager on Slammin’ Famine’s leadership team. “Without Eric and Brian, none of this would be happening. They’re an inspiration to the whole team.”

    An inspiration to make a difference and have a good time doing it.

    “That’s what we want to do, to make you realize that it is fun to make a global difference,” said Zonnefeld.

    Millions of meals later, and with more packing events to come, Denver7 and West Shore Home are proud to call Eric Dowdy and Brian Zonnefeld, this week’s Everyday Heroes!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Denver’s unhoused population served breakfast by familiar face at the Denver Rescue Mission

    Denver’s unhoused population served breakfast by familiar face at the Denver Rescue Mission

    DENVER — Changing the lives of those experiencing homelessness. That’s the message behind the Denver Rescue Mission, and one of their volunteers takes that to heart. Mark Sorency knows mostly everyone there on a first-name basis.

    “There are some stories that are amazing that people have shared with me down here,” Sorency said. “How did they end up there? You know, it’s one or two things [that] can put you out there.”

    Over the past year, Sorency has spent countless hours feeding others with his own distinctive flair.

    “When I go home, I take a nap,” he joked. “Hey, [at] my age you work this hard — you need a nap!”

    “[It’s] just such a happy place,” Sorency said. “They built such a team here, where they make it fun and you really feel like you’re making a difference.”

    But Sorency’s commitment goes further than just serving meals.

    “I did a fundraiser for my birthday, and my friends and family stepped up in a big way,” he remembered. “We donated over six thousand eggs for breakfast. And it wasn’t me — it was my friends and family. Next year, we’re going to do 10 times that I guarantee it.”

    And even more than that he’s an advocate for those in need.

    “I’d encourage anybody that wants to serve to get down here and serve a meal. It’ll change your perspective of where you’re at and where they’re at,” he said. “You can sit at home and second guess homelessness and what causes it. It’s a complex problem, but you can come down here and give them a warm meal!”

    That perspective, among Mark Sorency’s dedication to the Denver Rescue Mission, is why we’re proud to call him this week’s Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Volunteer with American Red Cross of Colorado making a difference for those displaced by disaster

    Volunteer with American Red Cross of Colorado making a difference for those displaced by disaster

    DENVER — Preparing for disaster, by preparing for the people impacted — It’s all part of the daily routine, for Diana Dalager and the American Red Cross of Colorado.

    “When Hurricane Katrina hit, just watching the devastation on the news and hearing about the American Red Cross,” Dalager remembered. “I thought to myself, one day I would like to do that — I would like to be able to go out there and help those people that have been devastated and impacted by a disaster.”

    Now, she volunteers with the organization and ensures the American Red Cross has enough supplies to respond. That includes a warehouse full of comfort kits — with towels, shampoo, toothbrushes and other toiletries.

    “When people leave due to a fire or due to an immediate evacuation,” Dalager said. “They’re not gonna be thinking of packing a small travel suitcase.”

    When catastrophe comes, Dalager is there to help.

    “I love when I’m coming back from a deployment, feeling good and feeling rewarded that I did make a difference,” Dalager said.

    “She has been the glue that holds the volunteers around the region together,” said Geno Martinez, the co-lead of regional mass care for the American Red Cross of Colorado said. “You wouldn’t know that she’s a volunteer here, with the hours that she puts in, the dedication, the compassion that she has.”

    It’s why Denver7 and West Shore Home, are proud to call Diana Dalager this week’s Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    American Red Cross volunteer makes a difference for disaster survivors

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Retired teacher sharing her knowledge still finds opportunity to learn from visitors at the Denver Art Museum

    Retired teacher sharing her knowledge still finds opportunity to learn from visitors at the Denver Art Museum

    DENVER — More than 70,000 works of art, design, fashion and architecture are housed at the Denver Art Museum. Enjoying all that it has to offer, is a responsibility that falls partly onto the museum’s volunteers. One of those tour guides is Randie Mosenthal.

    “Our capacity to meet visitor needs, to make sure that kids have a great experience at the museum, make sure that visitors of all varying abilities also have a great experience,” said Justine Dodson, the museum’s associate director of volunteer services. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of that without volunteers like Randie.”

    Mosenthal is a retired teacher who wanted to volunteer in a capacity that was able to combine her love of art, and teaching it.

    “Sometimes you try to imagine yourself in that artwork, and how you would feel,” said Mosenthal.

    Something as simple as a painting can evoke a wide range of emotions, and the questions Mosenthal asks to her tour groups challenge them to look closer.

    “There are times when they look at something very differently than I do,” remembered Mosenthal. “And I walk away and I say, I’ve just learned something new from an 8-year-old. So, it’s a wonderful experience.”

    “She can be humble and not necessarily put herself out there,” said Dodson. “She’s just so kind and caring to everyone, and I feel like she doesn’t get always the recognition, the limelight.”

    That recognition comes this week, as Denver7 and West Shore Home are honoring her as an Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Boulder County nonprofit honors volunteer serving meals on the street for more than two decades

    Boulder County nonprofit honors volunteer serving meals on the street for more than two decades

    BOULDER, Colo. — Ron Craig likes to wrap up his weekends with a cup of coffee, and some Sunday afternoon conversation with the nonprofit Colorado FriendShip.

    Helping those in need in Boulder County is their main mission, but it wouldn’t be possible without their volunteers.

    “We set up here every Sunday. We bring this trailer to this parking lot set up every Sunday, and we serve a hot meal to anyone who needs it,” said Liz Friedenson, Colorado FriendShip’s executive director,

    For those who are low-income or experiencing homelessness, it’s more than just a meal.

    “I think I’ve grown in appreciation for people,” Craig said. “I’ve developed some friendships along the way, especially with the crew that I’ve worked with on a weekly basis.”

    For over 20 years, Ron’s been building more than relationships.

    “Everybody loves him, and if he’s not here. Everybody needs to know where he is and what happened,” remembered Friedenson.

    “You know you’ve worked that long when you give a couple of bucks to a guy on a corner,” Craig said. “And he says, ‘Hey, thanks Ron!’”

    Serving up coffee and cocoa with flair, just part of the reason why Denver7 and West Shore Home are honoring Ron, as this week’s Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

    Michael Bogaards

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  • Golden non-profit keeping track of each and every donation, with assistance from volunteer accountant

    Golden non-profit keeping track of each and every donation, with assistance from volunteer accountant


    GOLDEN, Colo. — The sounds of car care often ring through the garage at Hands of the Carpenter. The non-profit has supported single moms for 20 years by fixing up and finding them cars.

    “There was not a huge intent behind how we were going to help,” remembered Dan Georgopulos, the CEO & Founder of Hands, “It was more about who we were going to help.”

    Operating a non-profit like this is a big responsibility, which is why they rely on the help of volunteers like John Burich. He keeps a close eye on their finances as he’s been their accountant for 15 out of Hands’ 20 years of existence.

    “I had all the background in tax and bookkeeping, sort of the auditing process,” said Burich. “I just get the satisfaction of being able to use the skills that I have to help out the nonprofit. And since I’m retired, it’s also a good diversion.”

    John uses his talents to keep their engine running by doing work that can’t be replaced.

    “It’s important to Hands that people know that we’re accountable for every dollar that comes in,” said Georgopulos, “And John is someone that holds up to that — and ensures that we’re doing things the right way.”

    His commitment for over a decade is just one of many reasons why we’re honoring John Burich as this week’s Everyday Hero!

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.





    Michael Bogaards

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