Facebook Posts
Happy World Food Day!
We at La Puente and the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley are proud to help our community access healthy food.
#LPFBNSLV #WorldFoodDay #CommunityCare #SanLuisValley
We are so thankful for Carolyn's decades-long friendship and involvement at La Puente. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on October 21st from 12:30-1:30pm at the Shelter. All are invited to come to lunch at noon at the Shelter's soup kitchen beforehand. 🕊️
———————
Excerpt from the Valley Courier, 10.15.2025
Settling in South Fork, Colorado in the late 1980’s, the Homeless Shelter captured Carolyn’s attention and heart. She served as a long-time volunteer and generous benefactor. Carolyn believed deeply in La Puente’s mission and frequently spoke that her faith had called her and her husband, Gene, to help the poor—families, children, and the stranger. During that period, she lived a life of frugality—driving an older truck, heating her home with firewood, and always seeking groceries on sale—so she could maximize her giving to the community. Once, when she had learned that an apartment complex in La Jara had burned down, Carolyn gave enough to cover the first month’s rent and critical supplies for those who had lost everything.
Carolyn also gave generously of her time and friendship. She held a loving desire to connect with everyone. One winter, while playing Mrs. Claus at La Puente’s Christmas Party, she was partnered with a shelter guest who spoke only Spanish. Within minutes—using gestures and humor—they discovered a commonality (both were missing part of a finger) and shared a memorable moment of laughter, proving her dedication to connection over barriers.
After over 35 years of service, Carolyn’s final visit to La Puente was in December 2024, when she took on the role of Mrs. Claus one last time. Lance Cheslock, who has known Carolyn since the 80s, recalled her impact: "Carolyn was a remarkable individual… She was never self-important, but would be the first to make fun of herself, which instantly narrowed any distance between her and our shelter guests." She consistently built up others and was always looking for little miracles, noting, “Well, that’s a God thing.”
"The legacy we leave is not about how many people know our name, but about how many lives we’ve touched along the way." Lance noted, “Carolyn touched countless lives, including many who did not know her name. She has left a lasting, transformative mark on the San Luis Valley.”
Crisis Prevention's Woodlot helps community members who have no other way to heat their home with 1/3 of a cord of fire wood. All wood is provided by donation, and loaded by volunteers!
Want to show your support?
Donated firewood is incredibly appreciated and needed. You can also donate your time! If you are interested in volunteering at the Woodlot, or donating firewood, please contact La Puente's volunteer coordination team at director.volcoor@lapuente.net or call 719-587-3499.
For more information about the Crisis Prevention, or how to get involved, please check out lapuentehome.org/crisis-preCrisis PreventiomCrisis Prevg#communitysupportitysupport
