Giving to others has given me so much!

  Holidays are often our favorite time of year, and it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the less fortunate.  Working with YMSL this year really helped me to understand how much I have and am grateful for, and why it’s important to give to the less fortunate in and around our community. YMSL provided several amazing opportunities to help others this holiday season, like contributing over 100 turkeys for the Larimer Country Food Bank and donating toys to the Healing Warriors Program so veterans in Fort Collins could spread some Christmas cheer to needy children. We live in an amazing town full of giving people and charities, and as a member of YMSL, I’m proud to be a part of it.

  Last year, for my first philanthropy at YMSL, I had the opportunity to make and serve food for the homeless at Catholic Charities.  I think of Fort Collins as a wealthy area of Colorado but seeing how many people in our town needed help, really inspired me to do as much as I can for my community, from playing Bingo with the elderly at Good Samaritan, to re-doing the yard at The Learning House, to helping the team of Elderhaus move to their new location. It’s even helped me volunteer outside of YMSL. This December, at Rocky Mountain High School, my class collected gifts and clothes for a family in need at our yearly Adopt-a-Family event. My class adopted a family of seven that could not afford Christmas gifts or food for a Christmas dinner.  Together, we raised over $500 in gift cards, household items, and toys for the family!

  Working to help that family, and volunteering at charities around Fort Collins with YMSL, have been eye-opening opportunities for me. I realize how lucky I am, to have all I need and more this holiday season.  And I now understand why people often say it is better to give than to receive.  Giving to others has given me so much!

Vincent Nicholson

YMSL Fort Collins 

Communication Team