I’m still ticked about the SNAP delay. I don’t understand why Colorado government lacked the funds to feed its families in need. They spend enough on stuff we don’t need!

But my anger is giving way to admiration of our community.

During the recent SNAP issues, Colorado Springs showed that when government systems fail, people step up. When DHS workers all over the state had their hands tied, our community used theirs – organizing food drives, donating groceries, checking on neighbors, and showing up where help was needed most.

It was a reminder that the strongest safety net is not another government program.

We are the safety net. And we always have been. Nowhere is that truer than with the volunteer-powered charity that makes Christmas possible for local families: Christmas Unlimited.

Over 100 years ago, before Christmas Unlimited had a name, families in our area were helping each other survive tough times. People gathered toys in basements, churches, and borrowed storage rooms to make sure kids had something to open on Christmas morning. No grants. No paid staff. Just neighbors stepping in where government couldn’t — or wouldn’t.

By 1986, volunteers made the effort official. They still didn’t have money, or a big building, or any of the advantages nonprofits are “supposed” to have. What they did have was a simple belief: no child should wake up to an empty Christmas.

Over the years, Christmas Unlimited created a fair point-based shopping system, teamed up with local agencies, and built a process that preserves dignity. Parents walk into their “store” as customers, not charity cases. They pick out gifts their children will love. They remain the heroes in their kids’ stories.

And after all these years, it’s still run by volunteers. No giant admin budgets. No big foundations. Just Coloradans doing what we can to take care of one another.

In 2025, the need is bigger than ever. Inflation has hit families hard and adversely affected the toy distribution operation.

According to the social media post of longtime volunteer Linda Rodgers Milicia.

“Christmas Unlimited is in desperate need of volunteers for December 4-24. We can’t help families shop for toys for their children unless we have people to work at our toy distribution store. It is extremely rewarding to see the families who come to shop and know that we are making them the heroes in their children’s eyes. We are also in need of new unwrapped toys or groups wishing to hold a toy drive for us. We need these toys before December 19th in order to inventory and point them. Please help us!!!!!!”

Christmas Unlimited can help families only if volunteers show up. They can sort toys only if volunteers show up. They can open the toy store only if volunteers show up.

This isn’t abstract. It’s real. One grandmother, Julie B., put it plainly:

“If it weren’t for Christmas Unlimited, my grandkids wouldn’t have Christmas!!! Thank you!!!”

This is what a community-powered safety net looks like. And it’s what we stand to lose if we don’t step in.

Christmas Unlimited has always been a mom-and-pop charity — running on heart, not hierarchy. It’s the opposite of a government program. Nothing here is complicated, bureaucratic, or distant. Everything is hands-on, local, and personal.

And honestly? That is its strength.

If you believe in taking care of each other the way Colorado Springs just proved we can, here’s how to jump in:

1. Volunteer at the distribution center (Dec 4–24). Help parents shop. Sort toys. Stock shelves. Even an hour or two makes an enormous difference.

2. Host or distribute toy-drive boxes. Businesses, churches, schools, neighborhood groups – anyone can help collect.

3. Hold a toy drive. They especially need new, unwrapped toys now.

4. Donate. Even small gifts go a long way in a volunteer-led operation.

5. Spread the word. Share online. Tell a friend. Bring a coworker to volunteer.

Christmas Unlimited continues to show community fills the gap faster – and better than any government program ever has. This organization has made Christmas possible for decades, not because of official systems, but because of people who refuse to let families fall through the cracks.

Google the name.