Getting to know our Sites: Soldiers’ Angels, Denver, Colorado
March 14, 2026
Featuring Area Director, Gina Mankes-Zink
Denver is home to a large and diverse population of Veterans and military families, many of whom face unique challenges tied to the city’s high cost of living and expansive metro area. In this edition of Getting to Know Our Sites, we sat down with Gina Mankes-Zink, Area Director for Soldiers’ Angels Denver, to learn what makes this site unique, how volunteers can get involved, and why consistent, in-person support matters.
Meet the Leader: Gina Mankes-Zink
Gina Mankes-Zink has served as the Area Director for Soldiers’ Angels Denver for just over two years. With a strong military family background, Gina was drawn to the organization after seeing firsthand how quickly life circumstances can change for Veterans and military families—and how critical consistent, practical support can be during those transitions.
“I’ve seen how quickly a stable situation can shift,” Gina shared. “The support Soldiers’ Angels provides can be critical for Veterans and military families going through transition.”
As Area Director, Gina oversees Soldiers’ Angels’ boots-on-the-ground support across the Denver metro area, coordinating programs, partnerships, and volunteers who collectively serve thousands of individuals each year.
What Makes Soldiers’ Angels Denver Unique
Denver’s large metro footprint and high cost of living place additional strain on Veterans and military families seeking support. These economic pressures increase demand for services and make consistent community partnerships essential.
“The high cost of living puts extra stress on the Veterans and families we serve,” Gina explained. “The need here is significant and ongoing.”
In the past year alone, Soldiers’ Angels Denver served nearly 10,000 Veterans and military families—highlighting both the scale of the need and the importance of sustained local engagement.
Programs Making the Biggest Impact
Monthly Food Distribution
The primary focus of Soldiers’ Angels Denver is its monthly food distribution. This program provides groceries to Veterans and military families, helping reduce food insecurity while allowing families to focus on other essential needs such as housing, healthcare, and utilities.
VA Partnerships, Patient Visits & Community Events
Through partnerships with the VA and local community organizations, Soldiers’ Angels Denver conducts patient visits, distributes coffee and snacks, and hosts special events at VA clinics and hospitals throughout the area.
“Sometimes success is simply bringing a smile,” Gina shared. “It might be a donut, a cup of coffee, or sitting with someone who needs connection.”
A Story That Stuck
One moment Gina shared continues to stand out. After policy changes meant a Veteran no longer qualified for food distribution, Gina had to deliver the difficult news. Even so, the Veteran continued attending coffee and snack events—stopping by regularly to say hello, offer a hug, and thank the team for serving his fellow Veterans.
For Gina, it was a powerful reminder that Soldiers’ Angels doesn’t just provide services—it builds lasting community.
How to Get Involved as a Volunteer
Getting started is simple:
- Visit soldiersangels.org
- Sign up as an Angel
- Select in-person volunteering and choose Denver as your site
Volunteers are needed both on event days and behind the scenes—helping with planning, coordination, and partner outreach. Even one hour of support can make a meaningful difference.
“Even an hour makes a difference,” Gina encouraged. “It’s community, and we’re all showing up to make an impact.”
Ongoing Needs & Challenges
The need for support in Denver is year-round—not just during Military Appreciation Month or the holidays. Extreme weather can impact volunteer turnout, but the needs of Veterans and military families remain constant.
“Whether it’s extreme heat or below-freezing temperatures, the need doesn’t go away,” Gina emphasized.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Denver
Gina is especially excited about the potential opening of a Soldiers’ Angels food pantry in Denver. This would allow for more consistent, sustainable food support—giving families one less thing to worry about as they focus on medical needs, rent, and daily expenses.
“A food pantry would allow families to focus on everything else without worrying about where their next meal is coming from,” Gina shared.
Final Thoughts from Gina
“If you’re on the fence about volunteering, just try it,” Gina shared. “Every hour makes a difference. Every dollar makes a difference.”
What truly sets Soldiers’ Angels Denver apart is its commitment to practical, consistent, boots-on-the-ground support—paired with a strong focus on partnerships and volunteer care.
Ready to get involved with Soldiers’ Angels Denver? Click here and take the first step toward making a difference—one conversation, one meal, and one moment at a time.
About the Author
Cody Mackall is a U.S. Army Veteran with experience in leadership and community outreach, focused on supporting Service Members and Veterans. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Texas A&M University.
