Critical Volunteers Help Little Flower Assistance Center Thrive
Little Flower Assistance Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, relies heavily on volunteers—and among its most dedicated supporters are Suzie and Kurt Boyd, founders of Academy Roofing. For more than a decade, the Boyds have brought hands-on support, heartfelt care and a strong culture of giving to one of Catholic Charities’ most vital community hubs.
Located in Aurora, Little Flower Assistance Center distributes upwards of $1 million in food annually and serves more than 10,000 households each year. The need is significant—and so is the impact of volunteers like the Boyds and their team.
A Legacy of Support
Academy Roofing, based in the Denver metro area, employs about 85 people and is known for quality service and community involvement. The company’s partnership with Little Flower began with a simple roofing job. “We started out many years ago doing some roofing work for them,” Suzie said. The center was near their church and their friendship with manager Donna Potter—whose children attended school with theirs—made the connection even more personal. Over time, their involvement grew: seasonal drives, facility improvements and direct volunteering.
For Suzie, supporting Little Flower is deeply personal. “My dad left our family when I was a senior in high school,” she said. “We had 12 kids at home and needed assistance.” That help came from Sister Michael Mary and Sister Letitia Anne, who brought food to her family’s farm. Suzie never forgot their kindness. “It was a natural fit that we would connect with Little Flower once we started volunteering again.”
Kurt emphasized how their support also extends to people connected to their employees. “We have families—friends and neighbors of employees—who get assistance there. It supports our whole community.” Their parish, Our Lady of Loreto, contributes too, helping stock Little Flower’s Life Closet.
Robert’s Story: A Personal Mission
Robert, a long-time Academy Roofing employee, is passionate about Little Flower’s mission because he’s lived it. One of 12 children, Robert grew up poor in a farmhouse near Chambers Road in Aurora. His family received help from Little Flower. “I didn’t even know we were poor until someone told me,” he said. “There were just enough portions for everyone. If you didn’t eat fast, you didn’t get seconds.”
Now, as an adult, Robert gives back by volunteering. “When you see people in the same situation, you understand why Little Flower is so important.” Last December, he and his wife delivered King Soopers and fast food gift cards. “Donna told us over 100 families had come in the day before. That really hit me. No judgment—just help.”
Robert is grateful to work for a company that encourages service. “It’s very important that companies allow people to do this kind of work. We’re encouraged to give back.”
A Culture of Giving at Academy Roofing
The Boyds’ example has fostered a company-wide spirit of generosity. Each December, Academy Roofing runs a “reverse Advent calendar” food drive, bringing in specific items each day. “We deliver it in January when Little Flower’s shelves are depleted,” Suzie said. Robert added, “We make it a competition—teams see who can collect the most. It’s fun and makes a big impact.” In one year alone, they delivered more than 2,100 items.
But donations are just the beginning. Employees regularly volunteer—packing Joy Boxes, delivering supplies and supporting fundraisers. “Some of our people don’t realize how many families rely on those Joy Boxes,” Robert said. “For some kids, it’s the only Christmas they get.”
Robert also highlights the dedication of Little Flower’s staff. “They’re not paid. They’re there because they care. And that matters.”
Beyond the Holidays
The Boyds’ support extends year-round. For about five years, they’ve been the lead sponsor of Little Flower’s Have a Heart Valentine’s Day breakfast, the center’s main annual fundraiser. In 2025, they brought an entire table of employees to show their support. Robert also attends, proud to see a colleague honored—her late husband was Academy Roofing’s safety director. “She’s done wonderful things and I’m really happy for her,” he said.
Building More Than Roofs
In addition to volunteering and fundraising, Academy Roofing has lent its professional expertise. “We put a new roof on their building years ago,” Suzie said. “We also built a new entryway and helped with drainage around their addition.” They’ve handled various repair jobs and remain on call when facility issues arise. “If there’s something Donna needs help with and we can do it, we do it,” Kurt said.
Faith in Action
For the Boyds, supporting Catholic Charities aligns with their values as practicing Catholics—but the connection goes beyond shared faith. “Catholic Charities does more than just about anybody I know in this town,” Suzie said. She remembers representing her brother, former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, at an event for grandparents raising grandchildren. “I was flat-out amazed they had a program just for them.”
Kurt appreciates the inclusiveness. “They don’t ask if you’re Catholic before offering help. What we do is a small piece of what they do. It’s meaningful to us and it’s now become meaningful to the people that work here.”
Spreading the Wealth and the Kindness
Volunteering has strengthened the team at Academy Roofing and boosted morale. “We have really kind people who work here,” Suzie said. “When they see how important it is to us, it becomes important to them.”
“It makes people feel good inside,” she added. “We want to spread the wealth and do something good for our community.”
Kurt sums it up: “Our community is our customer base. Supporting it helps everything come together.”