By Kay Vasilakis

Special to the Post Independent

Most folks are aware of food drives during the holidays. But do you know Lift Up is constantly in need of replenishing food pantries and your volunteer efforts? According to Executive Director Mike Powell, the spring and summer months bring a tremendous demand for assistance. To donate nonperishable items during any time of the year, just bring those items to any Lift Up food pantry.

One of the services Lift Up provides is The Extended Table at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Free meals are served from 5-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

According to Powell, The Extended Table is the epitome of volunteerism. The volunteers who participate purchase the food, serve the food and clean up. Table captains have their own crew, sometimes composed of businesses, churches, civic groups, or groups of friends, who sign up generally one night per month.

Fund-raisers are necessary to keep Lift Up operational. The newest effort is the Five on the Fifth fund-raiser, on the fifth Sunday in May, which is May 30. Lift Up is asking people attending local churches to give $5.

“We realize most churches budget for contributions four times per month,” Powell said. “We also realize not everyone can.”

There will also be a Christmas in July fund-raiser, and Lift Up is hoping Boy Scouts will participate in a countywide food drive. Lift Up is also hoping the other element of the Christmas in July fund-raiser will place Christmas trees in all the traditional Angel Tree locations. Instead of angels, envelopes will be attached to the trees. People who wish to contribute to Lift Up may take the envelope and send a check into the Lift Up office.

Another way people may contribute to Lift Up is the Moon Ride event on Sept. 4, Labor Day weekend, in Glenwood Canyon. The event starts at sundown by the Glenwood Springs Vapor Caves. Participants ride their bikes up to Hanging Lake Rest Area and indulge in a cookout, which is technically the end of the ride. There is a fee for the event, and all proceeds from all events help to support the charitable efforts of Lift Up. Contributions are tax deductible.

Lift Up is the administrator for the government commodity program. Those who qualify get their commodities once per month.

“We are very appreciative of all the people who dig into their own pockets to assist us,” Powell said. “I think the community is hugely supportive of all the nonprofits in the Valley. I’m amazed at the generosity of people who live here.”

Kay Vasilakis’ column, “Nonprofit Spotlight,” appears every other Wednesday. For news tips and inspirations, please call 984-2308.Kay Vasilakis’ column, “Nonprofit Spotlight,” appears every other Wednesday. For news tips and inspirations, please call 984-2308.