Our Top Charitable Picks for March 16-22

Musical Instrument Drive: Colorado nonprofit Bringing Music to Life is spearheading this year’s instrument drive, originally established by Colorado Public Radio in 2009. The drive, which runs from March 16 to 28, aims to collect gently used band and orchestra instruments, which will be repaired and donated to deserving school music programs throughout the state. Got an old band instrument lying around? Drop it off at one of 17 locations throughout the state. You can also make a direct donation to Bringing Music to Life, which will go towards the cost of repairing collected instruments. Monday to Saturday, times vary; locations vary

Just Between Friends Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale: Stock up on gently used essentials for your children (or yourself) at this consignment sale for a cause. Your $2 entry fee benefits A Precious Child, a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, and grants you access to 15,000 square feet of bargain-priced clothing, toys, strollers, and furniture. You’re sure to find something you love, and a portion of sales benefits Children’s Help and Residential Treatment (CHART), an organization that provides support for families with adopted children with mental illness and mood disorders. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora

African Community Center’s Youth Voices of Refugees Event: This year, ACC awarded 11 deserving refugee students with university scholarships. Celebrate their success with an evening of impactful storytelling from the students themselves, drinks and appetizers, and a spirited African dance performance from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. The event is $5 at the door, and all proceeds benefit the Colorado Youth Scholarship program. Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.; MSU Center for Visual Arts, 965 Santa Fe Dr.

Project Helping Arapahoe United Spring Clean Up Volunteer Event: Register online in advance or simply show up to join your fellow city-dwellers for an afternoon of cleaning up the Arapahoe Square area. Don your work clothes and gloves and mingle with the community as you pitch in with collecting and bagging trash and debris around the neighborhood. The Denver Rescue Mission Band will provide some tunes, and light refreshments will be served once the job is completed. Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.; Phoenix Multisport, 2233 Champa St.

Red Cross Month at Breckenridge-Wynkoop Breweries and Restaurants: In honor of Red Cross month, many Breckenridge-Wynkoop’s breweries and restaurants are featuring a special dessert: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing and chocolate sauce. You can score two of the mouthwatering cupcakes for $5, and $1 from the sale benefits Red Cross Colorado Disaster Relief. Now that’s a win-win. Denver participants include Ale House at Amato’s, Breckenridge Colorado Craft, Session Kitchen, and Wynkoop Brewing Company. Now through Tuesday, March 31; times and locations vary.

To submit your event or organization for inclusion in 5280’s weekly “Get Involved” column, email getinvolved@5280.com.