Amigas in Action, other nonprofits help families in need this holiday

• "People are playing catch-up [from the pandemic]," she says.

How it works: The organization — now in its 11th year — works with families at Wyatt Academy, a charter elementary school in Denver, and Margery Reed Day Nursery. They also get referrals from local social services agencies.

• Amigas in Action accepts monetary donations, or you can volunteer to adopt a family and shop for gifts from their list of needs and wants.

John's thought bubble: This is my family's third year participating, and the joy is in the giving, not receiving.

• To give you a sense of what to expect, this year we have a 7-year-old boy who needs a winter jacket and clothes and wants a bike. We're so excited to be able to give him the items on his wishlist.

The big picture: Other organizations are seeking donors and volunteers for similar programs that help deliver gifts and needed items at the holidays, including United Way, Boys and Girls Club and other local groups.