The holiday season is that special time we share with friends and family, but for Denver's homeless community it can be an especially difficult time.

Many, if not most, of the city's homeless have no local family and they all lack permanent shelter. Snow and subfreezing nights make this time of the year even more trying.

What is it like to be homeless? Hopefully, that's a question few of us will ever be able to answer personally. For the estimated eight thousand Denver homeless, though, it's a very real question.

Local shelters and volunteer organizations are always in need of donations (food, clothing and money). Volunteers are always welcome, too.

Here are four of our favorite organizations helping the homeless:

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (Denver Chapter):
303.293.2217

The Gathering Place (women & children):
303.321.4198

The Franciscan Brotherhood:
303.607.0855

The Denver Rescue Mission:
303.297.1815