(COLORADO) — While the holidays can be a time of peace and joy for many, some sick children are away from home with their families trying to get better. To help bring the comfort of the holidays to patients and their families at Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado), there are several ways to help out. Adopt a Family One option is to donate to the, Adopt a Family program, which goes toward helping Children's Colorado families in need. Those who want to help are asked to donate $100 gift cards individually or choose to adopt a family. "Since the program started more than 10 years ago, our incredible community members have helped bring holiday meals and gifts to more than 500 patient families through gift card donations," wrote Courtney Mally, Media Relations Specialist at Children's Colorado. To donate or adopt a family, email [email protected]. Make a donation Another way to help this holiday season is by making a donation to one of Children's Colorado's many needs. This can be anything from new toys, books, and stuffed animals to fleece blankets to keep patients warm to blood and platelet donations and so much more. There are several locations across Colorado where people can make these donations, and more information can be found here. Help with 'Hero', donate through Amazon Wishlist "If you’re tight on time and still want to give back – Children’s Colorado has partnered with Hero, an in-kind giving app for nonprofits that allows the community to purchase exactly what patients need with just a few taps of a finger," wrote Mally. If this is the route you'd like to go, simply download the Hero – Philanthropic Shopping app and search "Children’s Hospital Colorado." "From there, you’ll be able to see what we need, buy it directly through the app and the donation will be shipped right to the hospital to be distributed to kids across our system of care," said Mally. People can also donate through Amazon Wishlist, where the Association of Volunteers at Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs compiled a list of needs. Blood and platelet donations For blood and platelet donations, donors are asked to call the Blood Donor Center at (720) 777-5398 to be screened over the phone and to schedule an appointment.  "Every year at Children's Hospital Colorado, sick and injured kids receive more than 8,000 units of lifesaving blood products," according to the website. "More than 95% of that blood comes from our Blood Donor Center, thanks to generous people in our community." Participate in the holiday parade Last, but certainly not least, Children's Colorado, Colorado Springs is asking for participants in its holiday parade on Friday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. "Have a unique collector vehicle or part of a local car club? Do you enjoy dressing up and spreading holiday cheer? Are you part of a community organization interested in making a joyful impact on Children’s Colorado patients and their families? If so, join us at Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs on Dec. 13," wrote Mally. For those interested in signing up to participate, email [email protected].   "While giving back is top of mind during the holiday season, these donations will help support patients and their families all year," Mally said. "Participating in special events creates memories that will last a lifetime, especially when families might be going through the challenges of spending time in the hospital."