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CPA Staff and Student Volunteers Came Together to Support Students Experiencing Housing Instability

Stories & Spotlights
people with gifts

On December 12, a dedicated group of Colorado Preparatory Academy staff and student volunteers gathered in Castle Rock for a powerful purpose beyond their regular virtual roles. Advisors, social workers, family, community engagement staff, and student volunteers came together as part of CPA’s Student Support Team to sort, organize, and prepare essential gift deliveries for 107 CPA students across Colorado who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

A person sits on a gymnasium floor surrounded by rolls of wrapping paper, tape, and wrapped gifts, working on wrapping a present with red holiday-themed paper.

Identifying Needs and Providing Essential Support

The effort is led each year by CPA’s McKinney-Vento Coordinator, Kim Ashby, who works closely with families to understand their most urgent needs. From warm winter coats and shoes to basic necessities like socks and undergarments, every request is carefully documented and fulfilled. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, each identified need is purchased and provided directly to students.

Creating Meaningful In-Person Connections

While CPA serves students statewide through an online learning model, this initiative creates meaningful opportunities for in-person connection. During the week of December 15, CPA teachers, student volunteers, and staff volunteered their time to hand-deliver these essential items to families throughout Colorado, turning a virtual relationship into a personal moment of care and support.

“Teachers and staff from across the state volunteer to deliver these items in person, creating a rare and meaningful opportunity for face-to-face connection with families we typically support online. By working together to organize, prepare, and deliver these packages, our team reinforces a sense of unity, compassion, and shared responsibility,” said Colorado Preparatory Academy and Pikes Peak Online School McKinney-Vento Coordinator, Kim Ashby.

Supporting the Whole Student

For CPA, the initiative represents more than seasonal giving. It reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting the whole student, especially those navigating challenging circumstances.

“This effort strengthens our school community in a powerful way, even within a virtual education model. It brings together students, families, staff, and our generous donor around a shared purpose, supporting and uplifting our McKinney-Vento students during a time that can be especially challenging,” said Amy Baranco.

A person bends over a large group of filled black trash bags in a garage, attaching or checking labels on the bags. Shelving with storage items lines the back wall.

A Community That Extends Beyond the Screen

The annual gathering and deliveries serve as a reminder that CPA’s community extends far beyond screens and coursework. Even in a virtual environment, connection, compassion, and commitment remain deeply felt and tangibly delivered.

You can see the community story featured in local news here: ·

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