Project Present wraps up another successful holiday drive

COMMERCE CITY – Nearly 300 children in Commerce City will have something beneath their holiday tree this year, thanks to the efforts of the Parks and Recreation Department and many organizations and individuals who contributed to Project Present.

Project Present is an annual holiday drive that ensures area children in need receive gifts and needed clothing. Teachers and counselors nominate 20 students at each local elementary school.

Area businesses and individuals shop for these children and wrap toys, games, coats, shoes and other clothing. They are asked to spend $30 or more on each child.

Recreation staff members organize the drive and distribute the gifts to area schools beginning in mid-December.

“Our community really supports this program,” said Jenna Johnson, teen coordinator at the Recreation Center and Project Present organizer. “It is heartwarming to see how people respond to the need in our community; we had no trouble finding sponsors for every child.”

Commerce City businesses, organizations and residents participating in this year’s Project Present include:

• Suncor sponsored three schools – 60 students, and donated another $500.
• The Church Next Door sponsored 2.5 schools – 50 students.
• The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 19 sponsored 2.5 schools – 50 students
• The city Parks and Recreation and Neighborhood Services departments each sponsored one school – 20 students each.
• The Colorado Rapids sponsored a school – 20 students.
• Many community members and other city employees sponsored individual children as well.

Thanks to all of the organizations and individuals who donated time and money to this great cause. Presents will be delivered to area schools for distribution to individual recipients before the winter school break.

For more information on Project Present, contact Johnson at 303-289-3674.