Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service. The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2024. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

Additional editor’s note: This profile was updated on Dec. 2 to remove references to adopt-a-family contact information and additional volunteer opportunities. That information came from Ouray County Cares’ website, which unbeknownst to the Plaindealer was outdated.

Year established as a nonprofit: 1985

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

Ouray County Cares is resurrecting an important tradition – the Angel Tree program.

This heartwarming initiative allows the community to support those in need by providing gifts for families, children and seniors to ensure that every person experiences the joy and warmth of the season. Items are listed on these Angel Trees, located around Ouray County. Donated gifts will be collected from Nov. 29 through Dec. 11 and will be delivered to families.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2024?

Rebuilding the Ouray County Cares board.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2025?

We plan to work on our website, ouraycountycares.weebly.com, to help spread awareness of the nonprofit.

We are coming up with more programs to better serve the community year-round.

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

The best way the community can contribute to Ouray County Cares is to donate either money or purchase items for donation from the Angel Trees. Visit one of the trees, purchase the specified gift on the card, and return the unwrapped gift with a gift receipt with the card to any tree location by Dec. 9.

There are trees located in Ouray at Alpine Bank, Citizens State Bank and the Ouray School.

In Ridgway, there are trees located at Alpine Bank, Citizens State Bank, the Ridgway Library, and at Ridgway Elementary and Secondary schools.

To donate money, please write checks to Ridgway Community Pride and mail to: Ouray County Cares, P.O. Box 2012, Ridgway, CO 81432.

Thank you to Danielle Rodriguez and Katie Craig for providing this information, which was combined with information from the Ouray County Cares website.