December is here, and PCI is closing out the year with gratitude for everyone who continues to support our programs and our families. This month brings important updates on holiday giving efforts, youth programming, and community resources. Your generosity and involvement make a real difference for our neighbors. We’re excited to share what’s happening at PCI and how you can stay connected this season.
Chrystal Snow Memorial Toy Drive
Thank you to our amazing community for showing up this holiday season to make it special for so many children. Because of your generosity, we had the privilege of serving nearly 300 kids this year — an incredible increase from last year’s 125. Your kindness truly made a difference, and we feel honored to be part of a community that cares so deeply.
We are especially grateful to the local businesses who hosted toy collection boxes, creating easy and accessible drop-off points for families wanting to give. Your partnership helped ensure every child had the chance to feel joy and belonging during the holidays.
To every individual who donated toys or contributed financially — whether through our PCI office or at our Walmart booth — we cannot thank you enough. Each gift, small or large, became part of something much bigger: a collective effort that reminds our youth they are valued, supported, and never forgotten.
We also want to give a heartfelt shout-out to the LDS Church and the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Department for sending volunteers to help with packing and distribution. Your willingness to step in, lend a hand, and serve our community did not go unnoticed and made a huge impact.
From volunteers standing in the cold, to families who gave what they could, to organizations and partners who showed up with open hearts — this year’s success is a powerful reflection of what happens when a community comes together with purpose and compassion.
Ultimately, you did this. This was community care in action. Thank you for helping us bring light, comfort, and holiday magic to Pagosa’s children. We couldn’t do this work without you, and we are incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such an extraordinary community.
Wilderness Warriors Updates
As our first session of Wilderness Warriors comes to a close, we’re celebrating the many ways this group of bright, amazing youth has grown during our time together. Week by week, we’ve watched participants build connections, grow their appreciation for the natural world, and step more confidently into themselves. What began as a mix of quiet shyness and excited energy has blossomed into a community of adventurers who cheer each other on, share discoveries, and work together as a team.
Over the past six weeks, we witnessed remarkable resilience and inspiring curiosity among our Wilderness Warriors. We overcame obstacles and were given plenty of opportunities to make the most out of challenging circumstances. We helped each other to see the natural world with fresh eyes and a new appreciation. Gratitude became a weekly ritual, and we left each group session with our hearts full. It’s been a joy to spend our Friday afternoons with this group and to see each one of the participants step more fully into their own strength. As much as we will miss seeing our first group of wonderful, kind, creative, and incredibly fun Wilderness Warriors, we look forward to the adventures to come with our next group session starting in January.
What’s Happening in After-School
Our afterschool programs are growing! We now offer two general sites—one at the Middle School and one at the Elementary School—along with 4 clubs at the ES and 6 clubs at the MS, with even more clubs coming in the new year!
With our expanding programs comes a need for snacks—examples include granola bars, Goldfish, fruit snacks, meat sticks, Clif bars, and more. Monetary donations are also welcome at www.pagosacommunityinitiative.org/donate to help keep our students fueled and engaged.
New sessions are starting soon! Be on the lookout for packets with flyers for clubs being passed out in student folders and backpacks before winter break. Clubs include Pottery and Wilderness Warriors, Kindness Club and Pokémon Club for MS students, plus D&D, Lexia Lab, and Pirate Running Club at various sites. We’re excited for another season of fun, learning, and adventure!