Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharing. The purpose is to highlight the meaningful work these organizations perform and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2025. Look for these profiles published weekly from now until Dec. 31. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of nonprofit organizations in Ouray County.
Year established as a nonprofit: 2024
What does your organization do for Ouray County?
Ouray County Peacejam is a youth volunteer organization that encourages Ouray and Ridgway students to see, organize and engage in community service projects in our community, region, state, nation and world.
What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2025?
Ouray and Ridgway students made a difference through a variety of activities.
They helped the Ute Mountain Ute tribe in Towaoc, by bringing winter clothing items in October and summer items to their Bear Dance and Pow Wow in June. Peacejammers brought household items, bedding, books and toys to the tribe. Peacejammers also had the opportunity to interact and learn about the Ute culture while there.
Peacejammers also volunteered at Ridgway State Park each month, raised funds for the Ouray County Food Pantry, and spread cheer with senior citizens and delivered 2,000 holiday cards to them at assisted living facilities in the region and to the Veterans hospital in Grand Junction.
What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2026?
We will continue our volunteer work at Round Up River Ranch/Serious Fun Camp in Gypsum for terminally and seriously ill children, continue our relationship with the Ute Mountain Utes and help raise funds for the Ouray County Food Pantry as well as other causes.
Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
Come see Peacejammers during Noel Night in Ridgway on Dec. 5 and Yule Celebration on Dec. 6, where they will be offering homemade ornaments, treats and hot chocolate for a donation to the Ouray County Food Pantry.
Please visit our concession stands during summer concerts here in Ouray County. You can also donate online through ouraycopeacejam.org or contact Sveri May to make a donation at 269-207-1183 or at sverimay@ gmail.com.
Thank you to Sveri May for providing this information.
