At Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park in Denver this Christmas, local groups came together to host a holiday flea market for people in need. Pastor Logan Robertson, who works with AfterHours Denver, a church and homeless ministry, helped organize the annual Christmas in the Park event. This year, with Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah falling on the same day, Temple Sinai also pitched in to help.
“We have things like hats, gloves, hand warmers, and tarps, which are really needed by the community,” Robertson explained.
For over 10 years, Robertson and hundreds of volunteers have spent Christmas morning distributing donations, creating a free shopping experience for anyone in need, no questions asked. We want to make sure everyone feels respected, whether they have a home, struggle with addiction, or face mental health challenges, he said. It’s not just about giving away things—it’s about offering choice and dignity.
This year, the team helped hundreds of people, with lines stretching across the park all Christmas morning. We have 580 sleeping bags this year, which are really needed on the streets, Robertson added.
One person, Albert, has attended the event for years and appreciates what it does. I’ve been coming here for a while, and I’m just speechless, Albert said. Thank you all so much. After receiving help, Albert is now housed and credits programs like this for helping him get back on track. These people helped me, and now I want to give back by volunteering and helping others.
Robertson emphasized that the team will continue helping as long as there are people in need. As long as there are people living outside in Denver, we’ll be here on Christmas Day to help, he said.
AfterHours Denver also offers year-round programs to support those in need. More information about volunteering and resources can be found on their website.