Three times a week, a group from Laradon’s Work Teams ventures out into the community with one simple mission: to give back. They volunteer their time to help others and, in doing so, leave the world a little brighter than they found it. Their favorite place to give back? The Denver Community Fridges.
A dedicated Laradon crew picks up fresh produce and frozen meals every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. With smiles on their faces, they deliver the food to fridges all across the Denver Metro area, knowing each item will make a real difference to a neighbor in need.
“Through this partnership, Laradon’s Work Teams have diverted hundreds of thousands of pounds of food from landfills, redirecting it to Denver residents facing food insecurity,” says AJ, a Lead Organizer at Denver Community Fridges.
This volunteer work is more than a task; it’s a favorite outing for the Laradon team because they get to see their compassion come to life. The moment they arrive at the fridges, they’re often greeted by people waiting, their gratefulness a powerful confirmation of the team’s hard work.
“I am so thankful for Laradon,”an individual who utilizes the fridges shared. “They are always kind to me and treat me with respect. Not everyone does that, and so many are quick to judge.”
The impact goes both ways. The Denver Community Fridges team is also inspired by Laradon’s commitment.
“Their commitment embodies the spirit of community service and sustainability while demonstrating the profound impact of empowering individuals with disabilities to serve as community leaders,” Lead Organizer at Denver Community Fridges AJ expressed. “What makes Laradon’s Work Teams truly inspirational is how they have transformed what could be seen as a simple volunteer opportunity into a powerful model of inclusion, dignity, and mutual aid. Their work has strengthened our entire community network and proven that when we create accessible pathways for everyone to contribute, we all benefit.”
As we celebrate National Food Bank Day on September 5th, the Laradon Work Teams stand as a beautiful example of how giving back can create a ripple of hope. They have seen firsthand the true power of helping one another and the positive impact that simple acts of kindness can have on a person’s life.
By: Katey Lewicki, Communications Coordinator
