Help Kids Learn to Save: Donate to Our Big Market Day

Hope Communities was founded in 1980 by a group of citizens concerned about the lack of decent, affordable housing in Denver. Beginning in the historic Five Points neighborhood, Hope Communities operated a single building of rental units that Denver families and individuals could afford. Today, the organization's geographic focus has expanded to include the entire Metro Denver area, where affordable housing remains critical. In addition to rental housing, Hope Communities offers programs and services designed to empower residents and build community, including adult education, youth education, health and wellness programs, case management, and community events.

About the Program

Hope Communities is seeking new or gently used items for youth ages 6–13 participating in our “$100 Money Challenge” financial literacy program at Hidden Brook Apartments. Through this two-month, hands-on program, children receive $100 in class money and practice making real-world financial decisions. Each week, they can choose to spend a limited amount at a small classroom shop or save their money toward a bigger goal. At the end of the program, we’ll host a Big Market Day, where youth can use the money they’ve saved to “purchase” larger, more exciting items.

Learning Objectives

• Create a simple budget
• Set spending limits and savings goals
• Understand wants versus needs
• Practice saving and delayed gratification
• Make thoughtful purchasing decisions
• Experience how financial choices have consequences

How You Can Help

We are looking for donations of new or gently used, age-appropriate items that children will be excited to work toward and save for. Suggested donations include:

• LEGO and building sets
• Squishies and sensory toys
• Board games and card games
• Art and craft kits
• STEM and science kits
• Books and puzzles
• Sports equipment
• Journals and creative activity sets
• Headphones and child-friendly electronics
• Kindles or similar devices
• Gift cards
• Other quality toys and items appropriate for ages 6–13

Every donated item becomes more than a prize. It gives a child something meaningful to save toward while practicing budgeting, patience, goal-setting, and thoughtful decision-making. Your donation can help make our Big Market Day an exciting culmination of two months of learning and give our youth a positive, hands-on experience with financial literacy.