As a part of Estes Park United Methodist Church’s efforts to support programs that help local youth, this year EPUMC will be the signature sponsor of the “Spark Holiday Joy” event by Partners. At this activity, youth receive a give card to shop for presents for their loved ones during the holiday season. The youth and their Partners’ mentor create a budget, look for the best prices, then go shopping. There is then a gift-wrapping and breakfast/lunch party.

According to Kathy Whitacre, Partners Program Director, “Many youth and volunteers find it to be the most fun and meaningful activity that we provide!”

Due to rising costs, Partners was struggling to continue this program, so the EPUMC Administrative Council voted to provide $100 gift cards for 25 youth to shop for their loved ones and $500 for a breakfast/lunch gift-wrapping party for the youth and sponsors.

Partners is a local non-profit that’s mission is to empower youth and community members to achieve their full potential through mentoring, prevention education, and strategic partnership.