The holiday spirit shone brightly at the annual Boys and Girls Club celebration, where the Denver Nuggets spread joy to local children. The organization is currently seeking additional donations to ensure a warm and festive season for all.
The event was lively, featuring crafts, cookies, and special appearances by Nuggets cheerleaders, Rocky the mascot, and Kyle Speller, the team’s public address announcer who has been a part of the Nuggets for 20 years. “It’s all about making an impact,” Speller shared, reflecting on his own upbringing in a fatherless home. He emphasized the importance of after-school programs in helping kids thrive.
The event allowed children to experience a taste of Nuggets magic, even if they might never see a game live. Speller remarked, “Connecting with them in this space could mean everything. My hope is that it inspires them, perhaps giving them something to aspire to.”
Children like Skyla enjoyed creating cheers with friends, while her brother, wearing a Jamal Murray jersey, was thrilled to meet the cheerleaders and mascot Rocky. Rachel Rooney, Senior Director of Philanthropy for Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, highlighted the enthusiasm of the kids, stating, “These kids were clawing at the doors, ready for this night.”
The Boys and Girls Club serves more than 10,000 kids across 27 clubs in the Metro Denver area, and this year, there is a heightened need for holiday donations. Rooney noted, “We have enough toys to cover about 75% of our clubs, but we could use more. Our goal is to ensure every child receives several gifts. We rely on our community’s support through time, talent, and treasure.”
As laughter and games filled the air, Speller encouraged the kids: “There’s greatness inside of them. No matter their circumstances, they have the potential to break free and create their own future. They were born originals—don’t die copies.”
Toy donations are still being accepted through Christmas Eve, and the community can find more details on how to contribute to this heartfelt initiative. This event not only brings joy during the holiday season but also inspires a future generation, underscoring the importance of community support in creating memorable experiences for children in need.