Article and photo by Amy Shanahan

Cy DeBoer (seated left) and her team of Bin Babes are collecting items to benefit the non-profit organization “There With Care.”  Jennifer Purdum (standing far right) was thrilled with the initial response from the community.

Green flags and giant bright green bins are popping up on porches all over Castle Pines.  A new grass roots movement is making its way throughout the community with the mission of serving critically ill children and their families in Colorado.  Castle Pines Village resident Cy DeBoer, who has been collecting items for those in need for more than twenty years, started “Bin Blessed.”

DeBoer came up with the idea of keeping a collection bin permanently on her front porch when she lived in Texas.  Bin Blessed was reborn this March at her home here and is made up of a group of women who keep green collection bins on their front porches in order to accept donations.  Green flags at the front of their homes alert neighbors to the drop-off site.  Currently, the items collected by Bin Blessed are being donated to “There With Care,” a non-profit organization which provides support to families throughout Colorado who have a critically ill child.

There With Care was begun in 2005 and works closely with hospitals throughout Colorado to identify the needs of families who are experiencing the family-wide effects of a child with a critical illness.  The organization finds referrals for tutors for siblings, works with social workers to find support for families and parents, provides financial support from corporate and private donors, and so much more.  Additionally, the organization provides food, toiletries, games and other items to help out the families while they spend time at the hospital and when they initially go back home.

DeBoer and her team of Bin Babes are reaching out to neighbors monthly for donations of much needed items that are published on the There With Care wish list.  Their first donation drive yielded an amazing amount of items.

“This community and Cy allow us to do what we do.  They’re bringing items from their closets and shopping bags to our warehouse, and on to our patients with so much love,” stated Jennifer Purdum, development director of There With Care.  Purdum was overwhelmed by the response and what the Bin Babes have accomplished.    “They haven’t been at it very long, and they are already making a huge impact,” remarked Purdum.

Bin Blessed has drop-off locations throughout Castle Pines Village, as well as the cities of Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Denver, Highlands Ranch, and Northglenn.

DeBoer is excited about the response that she has received from those willing to volunteer and donate.  “It has always been my strong belief that most people are generous and love to give to a worthy cause, but with all of our busy lives we need a simple venue without a big time commitment to share our blessings.  Hence, Bin Blessed was born!” remarked DeBoer.

To find the nearest drop-off location, look for the green flag or visit www.BinBlessed.com. To learn more about There With Care, visit www.ThereWithCare.org.