‘Tis the season to deck the halls and kick holiday cheer into high gear – a time of gift-giving, delicious family meals, and warm memories. Yet while most of us are enjoying the holidays, the season can also amplify the challenges facing those in need.

As leaders in the community, the members of the Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS®, (PPAR), are dedicated to fostering thriving neighborhoods by advocating on behalf of local families. During this festive and hectic time of year, that includes gathering support to help struggling families enjoy a meaningful holiday season.

Because of the vulnerable positions they are in, the holidays are one of the hardest times for some families, seniors and children. For years, PPAR has upheld a legacy of REALTORS® who are proud to be a positive influence in easing the holiday pressure for less fortunate families in the Pikes Peak region.

Thanksgiving Baskets to Women of Grace

Part of PPAR’s commitment to the community includes providing Thanksgiving gift baskets to Women of Grace, a single-mother outreach program.

“Every year PPAR supplies baskets to Women of Grace with the entire ingredients for a full Thanksgiving meal,” said Patrick Muldoon, Chair of PPAR Community Relations Committee. “PPAR has been doing the baskets for over 20 years, and we have been proud to have Albertsons as our partner for the past five.”

Single mothers in Colorado Springs can come to Women of Grace for support, encouragement and fellowship with other single moms, as well as everyday necessities such as gently used clothing and household goods.

Kids Crossing Christmas Party

Another long-standing tradition at PPAR is contributing gifts to the annual Kids Crossing Christmas Party. This year PPAR has “adopted” 250 foster children. 

“We take care of providing the Christmas gifts for the Party,” said Deb Hemmann, Vice Chair of the PPAR Community Relations.  “From newborn to age 18 – PPAR adopts 200 kids and our Young Professionals Network adopts the remaining 50.”

Kids Crossing is a non-profit child placement agency established in 1978 by foster parents for foster parents.  They are dedicated to supporting the kids as well as the parents, and helping to strengthen families so they can provide the best care possible.

Festival of Lights Holiday Parade

Although 2015 marks the 31st anniversary for the Annual Festival of Lights parade in Colorado Springs, this year will be PPAR’s first time as a participant.

“Since we’ve been around for 113 years, we were all pretty surprised to learn that PPAR has never had a float in the Parade before,” said Muldoon. “The Parade theme this year is Holiday Songs, so the theme for PPAR’s float is “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

Two local military families have been invited by PPAR to ride on the float, in appreciation of their service and to honor the family’s sacrifice while they are away from home.  “One of the veterans just returned from deployment, and the other is being deployed around the Christmas season.”

Iron Order Motorcycle Club

The Colorado Springs chapter of the Iron Order Motorcycle club and School District 11 have partnered over the last several years in an effort to help families have a holiday celebration. ‘Christmas from the Heart’ was formed in order to reach out to District 11 families who are struggling to make ends meet. PPAR, along with many local businesses and individuals, help to raise funds to assist families in need with a Christmas meal, clothes, presents, and other essentials for the holidays. 

“Last year we were able to help over 270 families,” Hemmann said.  “This year we hope to help about 300 families.”

Working towards a better community is at the heart of PPAR and its members. Operating behind the scenes throughout the year, they are continuously promoting a vibrant and successful community for families of the Pikes Peak Region through consumer advocacy, community outreach, and many more endeavors.