Assistance League of Denver (ALD) has been quietly creating positive change with schools, families, and seniors in need since 1958. Initially this volunteer-driven nonprofit organization was one of the Denver metro area’s best kept secrets thanks to a curated thrift shop that funds its philanthropic programs.

However, ALD’s Thrift Shop at 6265 E. ­Evans Ave. has recently garnered some national attention, ranking it among the top thrift stores in Colorado. This spotlight has allowed many previously unfamiliar with the organization to learn more about it and its programs. Unlike other thrift stores, ALD’s Thrift Shop is run entirely by volunteers, which allows all its proceeds to be given directly back to the community.

ALD partners with eight Title I schools in Denver and Aurora to provide resources for new school clothes, school supplies, enrichment experiences, health kits, parent classes, and staff appreciation. Many of these schools were significantly impacted during the 2023-24 school year by a large number of new immigrant families. School budgets were stretched thin but thanks to the ALD Schools Program, they were better able to meet all of their students’ needs and are in the position to help with any other new needs that may emerge in the current school year.

ALD’s Hospital Equipment Lending Program (HELP) lends wheelchairs, walkers, canes, bath benches, and other medical equipment free of charge for as long as they are needed. Volunteers engage clients to determine their specific needs, which often include additional or different equipment to allow more independence and comfort. Not only is this program completely free, but it is nonrestrictive with respect to age, insurance status, and citizenship. As a result, clients are served quicker, and recuperation is often accelerated. If you or anyone you know needs medical equipment, stop by HELP next to the ALD Thrift Shop Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seniors in the community also ­benefit from ALD’s philanthropic programs de­sign­­ed to combat social isolation. ALD holds monthly bingo luncheons for local seniors in its Event Center and will be starting a Golden Gatherings program this year that has an educational component as well. ALD volunteers also regularly bring social activities to a local low-income nursing home, as well as passing on unsold items from the ALD Thrift Shop to residents in need.

None of the good work that ALD does in the Denver area could be done without its hundreds of committed volunteers. ALD also welcomes employee, alumni, and other groups that are interested in doing a service project together while giving back to the community. And in 2021, ALD launched an Assisteens program for students in grades eight through 12 to develop a sense of community responsibility and build leadership skills.

ALD’s Event Center, located behind the ALD Thrift Shop, is also available for rent. The Event Center can accommodate up to 150 people with ample parking for meetings, dinners, or social occasions. Event Center rentals provide funding for ALD’s philanthropic programs as well.

Donating gently used items to ALD’s Thrift Shop is another great way to help the community and be green. The best items find new homes through the Thrift Shop, and unsalable items are shared with additional community organizations benefiting the homeless, new immigrants, and others in need to ensure that all donations are put to good use.

ALD’s Thrift Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are only accepted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the back of the building to make sure enough volunteer staffing is available to accept items.