Community mother-daughter teams work to make a better community

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Elevation Chapter of National Charity League

Douglas County’s Elevation Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), was founded in 2018 and serves more than 112 local philanthropies. NCL’s program is based around leadership development, community service and cultural experiences. With a calendar full of volunteer opportunities, NCL brings mother-daughter teams together to serve the community.

Christina Duncan and her daughter Cate, both residents of The Village at Castle Pines, were founding members of the local chapter.

“The beauty of the Elevation Chapter was that Cate was in a class with girls from RCHS and around Douglas County, girls that she knew. These were families that she grew up with, who were in our community and who I had volunteered with for years,” stated Christina. “NCL takes that extra step of guiding young women through long standing NCL traditions and establishing leadership rolls. Each class has officers, elections and responsibilities. The girls quickly understand that it takes every person’s involvement to accomplish their goal. It’s a fantastic learning experience,” Christina continued.

Michelle and Kaley McClarran, residents of the City of Castle Pines, joined NCL last year. Michelle expressed her gratitude for partnering together with her daughter as a team through their philanthropic work that benefits local communities.

The Elevation Chapter has stocked shelves at community food banks, helped complete projects at local ranches and picked up trash around neighborhood school grounds. The organization has been able to continue their good work and provide opportunities from home.

“One of our favorite at-home activities has been supporting the troops by making “survival” paracord bracelets for Operation Gratitude,” stated Michelle. “Connecting with philanthropies has exposed Kaley to different perspectives and experiences which has helped her grow as a person. NCL gives her the opportunity to develop her leadership skills through service, while creating a lasting bond with her community,” Michelle continued.

“Since I joined NCL last year, I’ve made new friends, volunteered at many different philanthropies and learned new leadership skills,” said Kaley McClarran. “My mom and I love volunteering together to change our community for the better.”

“Looking back, Cate and I are grateful to have had the opportunity to give back to our own community right here in Douglas County. Some of our favorite philanthropies were CALF Harvest Days and Parker Secret Closet, where Cate helped other high school girls pick out prom attire. You don’t have to go into Denver to find people who need our support and compassion,” Christina commented.

The chapter is accepting new members for girls currently in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Applications for membership are due by March 12. All applicants must either reside in or attend school in Douglas County.

For more information, prospective members are encouraged to visit the Elevation Chapter website at https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/vpage/index-elevation/ or send an email to membershipelevation@nclonline.org.