Family Tree’s Holidays of Hope was presented a check for $5,000 from Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric to support the nonprofit’s campaign to provide gifts to families in need.
Josh Ward, owner of Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric, is carrying on the tradition of giving started 16 years ago by his father, John, the previous owner of the company.
“The Family Tree Holidays of Hope campaign brings great joy and needed assistance during the holidays to local families affected by domestic violence and other difficulties,” Ward said. “Everyone deserves the spirit of the season and this is one way we can make a difference.”
Family Tree is a non-profit human services agency providing innovative services designed to end child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. It has been serving the Denver metro community since 1976.
“The generous gift from Applewood Plumbing provides vital resources to Family Tree as we meet the needs of people experiencing child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and homelessness. Our partners in this work who provide financial support are what make it possible for Family Tree to ensure the needs of people in our community are met with resources, hope and a personal touch,” said Katherine Lawson, chief development officer of Family Tree.
Applewood’s Caring Community Giveaway selects a different small, local charity to receive the $5,000 donation every quarter. Charities are chosen by Applewood employees and voted on by their social media followers. The charity that receives the most votes wins the quarterly donation, but runners-up are not forgotten.
This quarter’s runners-up, Denver Dream Center’s Christmas in the City and Operation Santa Claus, will each receive a $500 gift from Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric.
Lawson said that Family Tree is grateful to everyone who voted Family Tree and for Applewood Pluming’s desire to support the community.
“There is no doubt the gift from Applewood Plumbing will impact the lives of many people this season,” she said.
Paula Washenberger, Applewood Plumbing’s Director of Marketing, has watched the company’s Caring Community Giveaway program grow over her 13 years with the company.
She said in the 16 years it’s been going; Applewood has given away in excess of $200,000.
“It was just sort of the perfect time of the year to support an organization like Family Tree, helping to bring holiday spirit to those who might not be able to make that happen,” she said. “It was thrilling for us.”
Learn more about Family Tree and how you can help make the holidays brighter for families in need at thefamilytree.org/Holidays-Hope.