Social Superstar Spotlight
Dellenbach Motors: The Giving Tree
Each holiday season the Dellenbach Motors’
community brings people from all walks of life together to
celebrate and connect through the Giving Tree. The annual
program is led by Briana Dellenbach, her family, coworkers,
and a slew of thoughtful customers, and is designed to
connect people through unassuming community building.
Each year about 80 kids from a different Fort Collins
elementary school are selected to be on the Giving Tree, and
to share what gift they “need” and “want” that holiday season. “It’s humbling to see what kids request
as their ‘need’ gift,” explains Briana. Requests are typically simple and important, such as toothpaste,
toothbrushes, or hair ties. “Want” gifts tend to be simple too; kids usually ask for toys like sports balls,
not Nintendo Wii’s.
Briana emphasizes the impact the Giving Tree has on the community and Dellenbach Motors’
co-workers, “Most people want to help, but sometimes they just don’t know how to get involved, and
this is a great way for them to do so.” In addition to empowering co-workers to make a difference, the
Giving Tree brings the Dellenbach Motors’ team closer to customers too. Employees and customers may
team up to buy gifts that otherwise might be too expensive. If some children’s wishes remain on the
tree as Christmas quickly approaches, the Dellenbach family ensures the gifts make their way into
Santa’s bag.
The Giving Tree always culminates with a celebration of food, gifts and good company. Each
year Santa brings presents and a beautiful decorated tree (compliments of Palmer’s flowers) gets raffled
off. Most importantly, this is when the Giving Tree families and gift giving coworkers and community
members get to see the kids happy and carefree.
Briana encourages organizations to take a similar approach to employee and community
engagement. “Grow your idea - don’t be afraid to have an idea and make a bigger impact,” she said.
Dellenbach selected Putnam Elementary School to be on the Giving Tree this year, but in the future,
they hope to grow to multiple schools, touching the lives of even more families.