Colorado Gives Day is around the corner

Local non-profit organizations

Bruce Warren

Don't forget these local organizations when planning for Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 8.

The Niwot Historical Society (NHS) volunteers work to preserve, collect, and protect the history of Niwot and the surrounding area to share with future generations. The NHS also sponsors the NOW & THEN Lecture Series which shares Niwot and area history. The most recent lectures were produced as videos for public viewing and are currently posted for viewing on YouTube.com, Niwot Historical Society. The volunteers also care for the landmarked Fire House Museum, offer tours, and provide displays of Niwot history for viewing when it is able to be open. Donations are tax deductible and membership is available at http://www.niwothistoricalsociety.org or mailed to NHS, P.O. Box 354, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Niwot Community Association (NCA)volunteers are advocates who interface with local government agencies to offer an opinion, and provide a forum for Niwot citizens to have an opportunity to become informed and involved in proposed changes that might affect their lives. This community volunteer organization provides or sponsors Niwot's Clean Up Day, 4th of July celebration, National Night Out in partnership with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, and the Veteran’s Banner Project in conjunction with the NBA. The NCA cares for Niwot's underpass mural, donated a bike station at the Lefthand Grange Park rest stop, and works with Boulder County Parks and Open Space on local trail projects such as fencing to protect the sandstone artifacts. Donations, membership and volunteer opportunities are available at http://www.niwot.org or donations can be mailed to NCA, P.O. Box 72, Niwot, CO 80544.

Left Hand Grange No.9 (LHG) is the oldest operating Grange organization in Colorado. It was founded in 1873, two years before Niwot was platted. The volunteers acquired the landmarked Nelson Hall at 195 Second Avenue in 1945 and it has served as a community gathering place ever since. Due to the pandemic, the rental attendance for events is limited, but the property is being maintained by volunteers. As a community gathering space the Grange Hall has had club and community meetings, potlucks and meals including the chili supper that supported the volunteer firefighters, square dancing, music, lectures, workshops, arts and crafts shows, and many more events. The LHG is the sponsor for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 161 and the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. Donations can be submitted at http://www.lefthandgrange.org or mailed to LHG, P.O. Box 301, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) was formed in 2009 to acquire and develop Whistle Stop Park, which hosts the Rock & Rails summer concert series in partnership with the Niwot Business Association. Since then, the NCAA has developed and managed Niwot Children’s Park and coordinates the Niwot Sculpture Park. Due to the pandemic, the NCAA has lost most of its funding for maintenance of the parks. The NCAA also sponsors First Friday Art Walk, Why Not Niwot? Juried Art Show, Let’s Wine About Winter, and the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. Donations are tax deductible and may be made at http://www.niwotarts.org or mailed to NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Niwot Business Association (NBA) is a non-profit organization which promotes Niwot businesses and preserves the Niwot Historic District. The NBA sponsors many community events, including the Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast, Rock & Rails summer concert series, the Great Pumpkin Party & Parade, Oktoberfeast, Enchanted Evening, and the Holiday Parade. The NBA supports many community projects, including community flowers, seasonal banners, the gateway sign, the bandstand and caboose at Whistlestop Park, and the Niwot Sculpture Park. Donations may be mailed to NBA, P.O. Box 92, Niwot, CO 80544.

The Rotary Club of Niwot provides volunteers for service projects in and around Niwot, including work on trails, improvements at Whistlestop Park, and a Little Free Library at Niwot Children’s Park. The Rotary also sponsors a Student of the Month award at Niwot High School and raises funds for other local charities, including the Colorado Friendship Association, and the Pearl Group. Donations may be made to P.O. Box 20, Niwot, CO 80544.

Niwot High School sports and activities contribute to the community by volunteering at the Rock & Rails summer concert series, hosting and participating in parades, and assisting with Niwot Clean-up Day. Funds donated to the programs help offset the cost of uniforms, participation fees and other program expenses. Without outside support, many students would not be able to afford to participate. All of the tip jar proceeds benefiting these groups, averaging $1200 per night, were lost due to the pandemic. Donations can be made to Niwot High School Boosters, P.O. Box 21, Niwot, CO 80544.

Lefthand Watershed Oversight Center’s mission is to assess, protect and restore the Left Hand Creek Watershed. The group formed in 2005 as a 501 c3 charitable organization to address contamination of water supplies for old mine sites. Following the destruction resulting from the 2013 flood, the organization has implemented 19 flood restoration projects, and has worked to assist other watersheds with a collaborative and science-based approach. One of its primary activities is to protect Niwot’s drinking water source. Tax deductible donations may be made to P.O. Box 1074, Niwot, CO 80544.

Via Mobility Services provides paratransit services to Boulder County and beyond, including Niwot and Gunbarrel residents who are unable to travel otherwise, including older adults, people with disabilities and other individuals with mobility limitations. During the pandemic, Via Mobility has provided this service at no cost to riders. Donations can be made at 2855 63rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301, or online at http://www.viacolorado.org.

Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center’s mission is to change the lives of people with disabilities by promoting their physical, psychological and social well being through equine assisted activities. With over 1,000 volunteers, serving over 500 riders each year, CTRC is one of the largest such organizations in the country. The CTRC is a 501 c3 charitable organization formed in 1980, located east of Niwot on Highway 52. It provides Tax deductible donations may be sent to CTRC at 11968 Mineral Raad, Longmont, CO 80504.

Niwot Youth Sports is a 501 c3 non-profit organization, dedicated to providing exceptional recreational and competitive sports experiences that promote teamwork, build self-esteem, and increase skill knowledge for kids ages 4 to 18. These programs, which include Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Flag Football & Soccer, provide kids in the Niwot area with the opportunity to participate in organized sports activities on a year-round basis. The organization maintains 10 ballfields in the Niwot area, and is currently raising funds for construction of a storage and concession building at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. Tax deductible donations may be made online at http://www.niwotyouthsports.org or sent to NYS at P.O. Box 125, Niwot, CO 80544.

Left Hand Giving Circle is a group of local residents who raise money to donate to other non-profits each year. Past recipients have included the Inn Between, Crayons to Calculators, the TLC Learning Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the OUR Center. Members also volunteer time for worthy projects. Tax deductible donations are handled by the Longmont Community Foundation. To donate, go to http://www.lefthandgivingcircle.org.

Philanthropic Educational Organization, which has been around for over 150 years, celebrating the advancement of women, educating women through scholarships, grants, and awards, and providing loans to help women enhance their lives through learning. The local DV chapter of P.E.O. provides financial assistance to Niwot High School senior female students as well as local women in the community needing financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. Donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter DV, Maureen Miller, Treasurer, 7634 Estate Circle, Niwot, Colorado 80503.

J.A.R.E.D. is a Niwot organization which provides scholarships and educational opportunities for musicians. Formed in 2017 in memory of Jared Lizakowski, the 501 c3 non-profit’s initials stand for Join A Revolution, Educate Drummers and other musicians. Due to the pandemic, J.A.R.E.D.’s fundraising activities have been severely curtailed, but to date, over $6,000 has been awarded to Niwot area students. Tax deductible donations may be made to 8858 Marathon Road, Niwot, CO 80503.

Boy Scout Troop 161, chartered through Left Hand Grange No. 9, is the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, but receives no funding from the national organization. The group takes on many community projects, including trail improvements, Niwot Children’s Park and Whistlestop Park improvements, and assistance with Niwot Clean-Up Day. The troop also provides the colors for Niwot parades and events such as the Niwot Veterans Banners ceremony. Donations may be made ℅ NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

Niwot Patriotic Cookie Moms have been sending care packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas for over 10 years. This group of Niwot women gathers 5 times each year to fill and mail boxes of cookies and other donated goodies to servicemembers, who are on active duty far from home. Donations may be made ℅ NCAA, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544.

Mwebaza Foundation was formed in 2008 by staff members at Niwot Elementary School to support partner schools in Africa. The 501 c3 non-profit organization coordinates cross cultural events, fundraisers, and educational projects, in addition to building school facilities and providing educational materials abroad. The Mwebaza Foundation allows students to be leaders and take initiative to shape how they want their partnership to look and operate. Tax deductible donations may be made at http://www.mwebaza.org, or by mail to P.O. Box 353, Niwot, CO 80544.