The annual holiday party organized by the Boys and Girls Club brought smiles and laughter to local children as the Denver Nuggets made a heartwarming appearance. The organization has a pressing need for donations to ensure a joyful season for the kids.
During the event, children engaged in a variety of festive activities, including crafts and cookies, while enjoying special visits from Nuggets cheerleaders, team mascot Rocky, and the voice of the Nuggets, Kyle Speller.
Kyle Speller, who has dedicated two decades to announcing for the Nuggets, shared his personal motivation. “For me, it’s just all about making an impact in any kind of way possible,” he said, drawing from his own childhood experiences. “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.”
The event allowed children to experience a touch of the Nuggets’ magic, even if they may never have the opportunity to attend a game. Speller emphasized the significance of these events, saying, “Some of these kids may not get to the arena, but just being able to connect with them in this space… you never know what it could mean for them. The hope is that it’s inspirational and motivational, maybe even giving them something to aspire to.”
Skyla, a club member, expressed her joy in creating cheers with her friends, while her brother, donned in a Jamal Murray jersey, couldn’t contain his excitement about meeting the cheerleaders and Rocky.
Rachel Rooney, Senior Director of Philanthropy for Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, highlighted the organization’s dependence on community support. “These kids are so happy. They were clawing at the doors, ready for this night to happen,” she remarked. “Physical gifts are wonderful, but experiences like this are things they remember forever.”
The Boys and Girls Club currently serves over 10,000 kids across 27 clubs in the Denver area, and the demand for holiday donations has increased this year. Rooney stated, “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 reveled in games and laughter, Speller conveyed a powerful message, reminding them of their potential: “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 will continue to accept toy donations until Christmas Eve, hoping to spread even more joy during the holiday season.
For those interested in supporting the cause, donations can be made through Christmas Eve at the relevant donation information page. By participating, community members can help create lasting memories for the children and ensure they feel valued and cared for during this festive time of year.