PARKER, Colo. — A Parker teenager is giving back to the community this holiday season.
On Wednesday, Joseph Geving organized a special "Day-after Christmas" at the Boondocks entertainment center in Parker, making holiday wishes come true for 20 deserving kids.
The 18-year-old entered Boondocks Food and Fun bearing gifts for a magical evening.
"It's a little nerve-wracking. I've never done anything like this in my entire life," he said.
The Metro State freshman orchestrated a special Christmas for 20 children and their families as a way to give back to the community.
"It's my favorite time of year. For me personally, it's always broken my heart that there are kids out there who don't get to experience Christmas the way I get to experience it," he said.
Geving and his friends passed out presents to grateful children, like 8-year-old Isaiah Ruffin.
"I'm excited because I haven't got anything like this in a long time," Isaiah said.
It all started two weeks ago. Geving went to the Denver Metro YMCA and asked them if any kids could use some help over the holidays. They gave him a list of 20 children, and he started a GoFundMe page asking for donations.
"Less than 48 hours later, I reached my goal of $1,500," he said.
He then posted a video on Facebook and called sponsors like Target, saying if they donated presents, he would purchase a $50 gift card for each set of parents.
"They were totally on board, so now gift cards for the parents and I have presents for the kids," he said.
Boondocks agreed to supply the party room. They also gave kids several hours of free time in the game room.
"It all came together so fast. It got me pretty emotional honestly," he said,
Geving and his friends wrapped the gifts, and the "Geving Giftfest" was on.
He said he hopes to make his party bigger and better in the future and that the smiles on the children's faces make it all worthwhile.
