Every holiday season since 1996, the Denver Chophouse has been hosting events to feed and clothe those in need. I thoroughly enjoy photographing this event year after year! It’s always a powerful scene before even parking the car when the long line of people comes into view. Even though the event buses in groups from all of the shelters around town, there is always a line from those not from the shelters:
.jpg "Denver Chophouse Craftworks Miracle on 19th Street")
It was a very chilly and snowy morning, but volunteers immediately began handing out coffee and hot chocolate along the line. Here are some of those faces:
.jpg "Denver Non-Profit Homeless Photography")
Inside, hundreds of volunteers throughout the day (along with a small number of Chophouse and Craftworks staff) helped serve, cook, clean, give flu shots, take pictures with Santa, hand out toys, provide clothing and overall, make the day a success:
.jpg "Non-profit photography of volunteers")
Just getting the opportunity to play a small role in a wonderful project is incredibly rewarding….but this year I was brought to tears! One of the repeat families told me they named their new son Jensen! Holy smokes!! They said not only do they appreciate that my wife and I volunteer each Christmas Day, but last year I brought them photos and the generosity blew them away. It was a moment I will never forget!
.jpg "Colorado Chophouse Craftworks Miracle on 19th Street")
To view a few more images, check out the slideshow:
