Leave a Legacy

James Gagliano knew a thing or two about ice. Besides living through Colorado’s icy winters, Jim delivered ice for 35 years, mostly in downtown Denver. He delivered block ice, sack ice, and sculpture ice. He would start loading his truck about 3 o’clock in the morning and usually finished his route around 10 o’clock. Although only 5’4”, Jim could carry a 50 lb. block of ice. Jim had a long life which he attributed to exercise and good health, working out regularly. He swam at local recreation center pools and also walked five miles a day. All this boded well for Jim. He lived until age 95. After his death, we learned that he had made a bequest in his will to Volunteers of America. According to his executor, “Jim thought highly of your organization, had contributed to it in the past, and was hopeful you could help those in need”. We are truly grateful for his generosity and compassion in providing for future generations to give them the opportunity for a new life. Through his bequest to Volunteers of America, Jim continues to help change the lives of the most vulnerable.

Business man, Harvey Olmstead, died more than a decade ago. To help the less fortunate, he bequeathed buildings he owned to Volunteers of America through a charitable remainder annuity trust. Today he helps feed, shelter and inspire the homeless. His buildings house the Mission, a day shelter and kitchen for the needy, Bannock Youth Center, a center guiding homeless youth toward financial responsibility and stable housing, and the new Veteran Service Center, a one-stop-shop for veteran families to find service and help. Without Mr. Olmstead’s foresight, we would not have had the means to help as many people as we do today.

Doris Ferguson lives on by ensuring that the elderly in Aurora, Colorado are receiving daily nutrition while living independently. Ferguson's gift continues to make it possible for seniors in her community receive meals on wheels. Without Meals on Wheels, many home-bound seniors in Aurora would not eat and may not see any visitors for weeks at a time. This gift means that seniors in Aurora receive the nutrients they need and see at least one smiling face at their door each week, their Meals on Wheels volunteers.