Dolores Ski and Outdoor Gear Swap Raises Funds for High School Seniors
Operation Graduation and Dolores High School hosted the 26th annual Dolores Ski and Outdoor Gear Swap on December 6, providing affordable seasonal equipment to local families while raising money for a substance free graduation celebration. The event reinforced local partnerships that support student programming and reduce barriers to outdoor recreation.
On Saturday, December 6, Operation Graduation and Dolores High School held the 26th annual Dolores Ski and Outdoor Gear Swap at Dolores High School, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event accepted skis, boots, snowboards, poles, helmets, clothing and other outdoor gear, with consignment drop off available the evening before. Proceeds from the swap were earmarked to support a substance free graduation celebration for Dolores High seniors.
The swap served two clear purposes for the community. First, it provided affordable access to seasonal equipment for local families, making winter recreation more attainable for students and households with limited budgets. Second, it generated funding for senior activities that the school and supporting organizations deem important for a safe and celebratory graduation. Organizers have maintained this annual event for more than a quarter century, positioning the swap as a steady source of both gear and dollars for the high school community.
Local impact extended beyond the sale itself. By circulating used equipment and clothing, the swap reduced the cost barrier for participation in skiing and other outdoor activities that are central to life in Dolores County. The funds raised support programming tied to graduation, an outcome with direct consequences for students and families who rely on school and community resources to cover event costs and to ensure alcohol free senior celebrations.
The partnership between Operation Graduation and Dolores High School highlights how local institutions collaborate to meet student needs. Events like this underscore the role of community fundraising in supporting student programming and extracurricular events that are not always covered by regular school budgets. For residents, the swap is a practical example of civic engagement producing tangible benefits, and it demonstrates how volunteer organized and school partnered initiatives can deliver both economic relief and targeted support for youth.
As the community moves through the winter season, the annual swap model offers a replicable approach for other local efforts that aim to pair affordability with student centered fundraising.
