Donations

How does this work?
Any donor who gives a minimum of $250 in a calendar year to Westside CARES through the Enterprise Zone is eligible for 25% tax credit on their Colorado State Income Tax. Make your check payable to "The El Paso County Enterprise Zone" and in the memo line write "Westside CARES". Send the check to Westside CARES. We record the donation and then deliver the check to El Paso County. Each month, El Paso County makes a monthly distribution to all Enterprise Zone Organizations, and Westside CARES receives the money from your donation. El Paso County also sends a certified receipt to you, the donor, for use with the Colorado State Income Tax Return. Come tax time, you take the deduction from the tax you owe on your Colorado Income Tax (25% of your donation). Instructions are included with the certified receipt. Please contact Steve Brown (719) 389-0759, if you have questions regarding this valuable benefit.

Your food donations will be distributed among our four church-based food pantries which work together to make emergency food supplies available to our neighbors in need five days a week, free of charge.

Items always needed include: Rice-A-Roni, Hamburger Helper, Spaghetti Sauce and Noodles, Peanut Butter, Canned Beans, Canned Fruit. We also welcome fresh produce and meat.

Toiletry items are not covered by food stamps and many of our neighbors need them. It is very difficult to keep our pantry stocked with these items as there is such a great need for them in our community.

Items needed include: Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste/Tooth brushes, Razors, Shampoo/Conditioner, Sun Block, Lotion, Feminine Products, Baby Diapers in all sizes, Baby wipes, Toilet Paper.

Your donations of warm, winter coats will help supply the "Coat Closet" housed at our main office. The coats you donate are distributed throughout the winter months to our neighbors (adults and children) on a case by case basis as the need is identified. The coats are made available free of charge.

You can make an enduring commitment to providing faith-based emergency assistance to local neighbors in need by making a bequest to Westside CARES in your will. Check with your estate planner to discover how easy it is to remember Westside CARES in your will.

We appreciate being notified if you choose to make a bequest because we would like to express our appreciation and recognize your generosity during your lifetime. Contact Steve Brown, Executive Director at (719) 389-0759, ext. 101 for more information