The festive atmosphere was in full swing at the annual Boys and Girls Club holiday party, where members of the Denver Nuggets brought joy and cheer to local children. This year, the Boys and Girls Club highlighted the urgent need for donations to ensure that every child has a bright holiday season.
Attendees were treated to a variety of activities, including crafts, delicious cookies, and special guest appearances from Nuggets cheerleaders, team mascot Rocky, and the Nuggets’ long-time public address announcer, Kyle Speller.
Speller, who has been with the Nuggets for two decades, shared his personal connection to the event, stating, “For me, it’s just all about making an impact in any kind of way possible. I was one of these kids… I grew up in a fatherless home, and if it wasn’t for different after-school programs, who knows where I’d be? Leaders like these make all the difference.” He emphasized the importance of nurturing hope and inspiration in each child, aiming to motivate them to dream of a bright future.
Children at the club, such as Skyla, expressed their happiness in making cheers with friends, while her brother enthusiastically wore a Jamal Murray jersey, eager to meet the cheerleaders and mascot Rocky.
Rachel Rooney, the Senior Director of Philanthropy for Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, noted the joy on the children’s faces. She stated, “These kids were clawing at the doors, ready for this night to happen. Physical gifts are wonderful, but experiences like this are things they remember forever.”
Currently, the Boys and Girls Club serves over 10,000 children across 27 locations in the Metro Denver area. However, the demand for holiday donations has increased this season. Rooney mentioned, “We have enough toys to cover about 75% of our clubs, but we could use more. Our goal is to ensure every child gets several gifts to take home. We rely on our community for support through time, talent, and treasure.”
As children enjoyed games and laughter, Speller encouraged them by stating, “I tell the kids all the time—there’s greatness inside of them. No matter what their present circumstances are, it’s a box they can get out of. Their future is at their fingertips. They were born an original—don’t die a copy.”
The Boys and Girls Club continues to accept toy donations through Christmas Eve, hoping to brighten the holidays for every child. For details on how to contribute, visit their website.
This heartwarming event showcases the power of community and the positive impact of shared experiences. As the holiday season approaches, it’s a reminder that every contribution, no matter how small, can create lasting memories and inspire hope in children’s lives.