With an unemployment rate in Denver of 7.7 percent, more families are experiencing financial difficulty, according to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. As a result, more people are turning to local charities.

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric (www.ApplewoodFixIt.com) named Crossroads of the Rockies as December’s $1,000 Caring Community Giveaway winner.

“We believe in giving back to the community; when times are hard, it is especially important,” John Ward, president of Applewood said.

Crossroads of the Rockies has big ideas for the Giveaway funds, including plans to pay an intern and start an intergenerational art class for adults and kids, according to Jennifer Kendrick, interim executive director.

“We are here to love the people in our neighborhood and show them God does care for them,” Kendrick said.

Crossroads, a faith-based, nonprofit located in Denver, serves more than 1,000 people a month. They provide classes for kids, youth and adults along with a food bank, donated clothing and household items. Volunteers support the organization and assist with operations.

Applewood has worked in the community giving back to those in need. The Caring Community Giveaway is in its sixth year. Applewood has awarded more than $75,000 to small, local nonprofits through the program.

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric has served the Denver/Boulder Metro area for more than 37 years and are proud to have been named the 2009 winner of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Trust in the Large Business category; they are honored to have been named 2007 City of Golden Rotary Ethics in Business Award winner.