Around 700 visitors from across the Denver Metro Area came to Colorado Academy on December 14, 2024, to take part in HOPE, the student-led service initiative that for three decades has made the holidays brighter for families in need by offering free clothing, school supplies, toiletries, baby essentials, toys, food, medical care, fun activities, community services, and much more.
“HOPE demonstrates the true power in the act and art of giving,” says Head of School Dr. Mike Davis. “It brings together students, faculty, staff, families, volunteers, and community members to create remarkable memories and moments. I am grateful to the student leaders who make this event a success each year.”
Hundreds of volunteers helped to make this 31st annual HOPE a success, according to Senior co-presidents Addie Chandler, Ella Merwin Olk, and Oliver Twite. “At the end of the day, I overheard a little boy say, ‘This was so fun! When can we come again?’” recounts Chandler. “That made me incredibly proud, and it made it clear that all the work the CA community put into organizing this year’s HOPE was more than worth it.”
The three co-presidents, along with scores of student section directors and associates responsible for organizing donations, coordinating medical services, arranging bus transportation, and planning games and food, worked for months throughout the fall to put the one-day event together. The Friday before HOPE, even more volunteers, including dozens of Middle and Lower School students, joined together to unload and organize hundreds of bags of donated clothing, shoes, toys, books, and much more, including:
- 800 pairs of socks
- 500 toys
- 350 school supplies bags (backpacks, folders, pencils, and notebooks)
- 200 books
- 2,200 feminine care products
- 300 personal care bags
- 3,000 diapers
The 180 student volunteers also helped prepare spaces to offer health screenings and vaccinations, and they made sure the Dining Hall was ready to serve lunch to their guests.
On Saturday, students fluent in Spanish helped to welcome the many Spanish-speaking families who joined the early morning crowd excited to enter the Athletic Center. According to Chandler, “Their efforts were essential in making HOPE a safe and welcoming environment. The majority of families we served spoke Spanish as their first language, and having volunteers who could communicate with our guests in their preferred language ensured they felt respected and valued—one of the most important elements of HOPE. Whether it was guiding families through activity stations or explaining resources available to them, our translators helped to create a sense of connection and belonging.”
The youngest guests were thrilled to find face-painting, STEM activities, and other fun things to explore in their own area while parents shopped. Together, many families posed at the holiday-themed photo booth before heading to the Campus Center for a hot meal served up by Chef Paul Worley and his Food Service team.
All told, the student, staff, and medical and dental volunteers were able to provide more than 160 flu vaccines and health consultations.
According to Merwin Olk, “Seeing all of the student, faculty, and parent volunteers come together in so many different ways to help us maximize our impact was so amazing.”
Adds Chandler, “We could not have done any of this without our faculty sponsors Stuart Mills, Sydney Finkbohner, and Lisa Dean. They encouraged us through challenges and guided us towards solutions. The most impactful moments were when they held us to a higher standard, showing their belief in HOPE’s potential and pushing us to aim higher.”
One of the most important ingredients in the success of this year’s event was the community outreach that took place throughout the fall. Points out Merwin Olk, “I was super-proud of the outreach section. It was almost four months of dedicated work, sending countless emails, driving hours around Denver posting flyers, and calling and re-calling organizations and schools. We built up a great community of people who we hope will come back next year.”
Yet another highlight, says Chandler, was “seeing kids running through the bouncy castle over and over, their faces painted with penguins and snowmen. As an athlete, I loved seeing kids play floor hockey, basketball, and soccer darts, making fun memories in the CA gym just as I have done the last four years. There was one little boy who stayed at the STEM and arts station for the entire event, building cars out of Legos and proudly driving them around the Fieldhouse.”
“At the end of the day,” adds Merwin Olk, “I felt a tremendous sense of relief to watch as moms and dads left with bags full of critical items for their entire family. HOPE never gets old.”
