There’s a moment at the DMV that holds more power than many realize. Between updating our address and choosing a photo, there’s a small box asking if we want to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor. For many Coloradans, that box represents something much bigger than a simple yes or no, it’s a chance to save lives.
We’re launching a powerful new campaign to remind residents just how meaningful that choice can be. The “Check the Box” campaign brings together prominent voices from across our state, including former Denver Broncos player and NFL Super Bowl champion Ryan Harris alongside local college athletes, to inspire more people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.
Rocky Mountain Strong: A Community Built on Compassion
The campaign captures what we call the “Rocky Mountain Strong” spirit—that unique combination of strength, compassion, and resilience that defines our communities. It’s the same spirit that has already motivated more than 60% of Colorado residents to check “yes” at the DMV.
“Rocky Mountain Strong’ reflects the strength, compassion, and resilience of the Coloradans that make life-saving organ, eye and tissue donation possible,” said Jennifer Prinz, our president and CEO. “‘Check the box’ is how we put that spirit into action. By making the decision to check the box ‘YES,’ you’re giving hope to the more than 1,300 neighbors waiting for a life-saving transplant right here in Colorado.”
Think Inside the Box
The campaign’s tagline, “Think Inside the Box,” emphasizes just how simple—and powerful—this decision really is. One box checked can create a ripple effect of hope throughout our community. The numbers tell the story: for every YES box checked, there are 75 neighbors who have a chance to heal. These are people who ride down the same streets as you, root for the same teams, and call Colorado home. Simple for you. Life-changing for them.
Celebrating Those Who Make It Possible
Throughout November, we’re hosting events and ribbon cuttings at DMV offices across Colorado to unveil the new campaign materials and honor the DMV employees who play a vital role in saving lives every single day.
“The Division of Motor Vehicles is proud to partner with Donor Alliance on the ‘Check the Box’ campaign” said Electra Bustle, Senior Director of the DMV. “Every day, our dedicated team witnesses the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. By simply checking ‘YES’ at the DMV, you are making a life-saving decision that offers hope and healing to countless individuals and families in our community. It’s a small action with an immeasurable impact.”
The campaign will reach Coloradans through billboards, digital advertising, social media, and community partnerships. You’ll also notice refreshed materials at DMV locations throughout the state, making it easier than ever to understand the impact of your decision.
How You Can Help
Everyone can register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Whether you’re renewing your license at the DMV or want to register online, the process is straightforward. Visit DonorAlliance.org or DonateLifeColorado.org to learn more and register today.
Right now, more than 1,300 of our Colorado neighbors are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Your decision to check the box could give them the chance they’ve been waiting for. That’s Rocky Mountain Strong in action.
Denver, CO — November 12, 2025 — Donor Alliance, the federally designated organ procurement organization serving Colorado and Wyoming, today announced the rollout of its “Check the Box” campaign in Colorado. The campaign features prominent local voices including former Denver Broncos player and NFL Super Bowl champion Ryan Harris and local college athletes, encouraging residents to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.
The comprehensive campaign will reach Coloradans through billboards, digital advertising, social media, and community partnerships, all bringing to life the organization’s refreshed Rocky Mountain Strong brand theme. Residents will also see refreshed materials at Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations throughout Colorado, where more than 60% of residents have made the life-saving decision to become organ and tissue donors.
“The updated look and feel for our new campaign truly embodies the spirit of our community” said Jennifer Prinz, president and CEO of Donor Alliance. “’Rocky Mountain Strong’ reflects the strength, compassion, and resilience of the Coloradans that make life-saving organ, eye and tissue donation possible. ‘Check the box’ is how we put that spirit into action. By making the decision to check the box ‘YES,’ you’re giving hope to the more than 1,300 neighbors waiting for a life-saving transplant right here in Colorado.”
To celebrate the rollout of the new campaign, throughout the month of November, Donor Alliance will host in-person events and ribbon cuttings at DMV offices across the state to unveil the new campaign and honor the DMV employees who play a vital role in saving lives through donation every day.
“The Division of Motor Vehicles is proud to partner with Donor Alliance on the ‘Check the Box’ campaign” said Electra Bustle, Senior Director of the DMV. “Every day, our dedicated team witnesses the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. By simply checking ‘YES’ at the DMV, you are making a life-saving decision that offers hope and healing to countless individuals and families in our community. It’s a small action with an immeasurable impact.”
The “Check the Box” campaign emphasizes that everyone can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, and when you check the box YES, one day you may save someone’s life. The campaign’s tagline, “Think Inside the Box,” underscores how one simple decision at the DMV can create a ripple effect of hope. For every YES box checked, there are 75 neighbors who have a chance to heal. Someone who rides down the same streets. Roots for the same team. Simple for you. Life-changing for them.
Join us in spreading holiday cheer and raising awareness at the Denver Parade of Lights this holiday season! The parade features over 40 illuminated floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays, and special appearances from Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa Claus. Donor Alliance will proudly showcase our large Gift of Life balloon float in the parade, surrounded by our Advocates for Life and staff.
Location: The parade starts at the Denver’s City and County Building and winds through downtown. You can view it for free along the route which includes Tremont Street (between 14th and 17th), 17th Street (from Tremont to Arapahoe), Arapahoe Street (between 17th and 15th), and 15th Street (from Arapahoe to Glenarm)
Parking: Parking garages are available around the downtown area.
Join us at the Denver Parade of Lights this holiday season! The parade features over 40 illuminated floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural displays, and special appearances from Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa Claus. Donor Alliance will proudly showcase our large Gift of Life balloon float in the parade, surrounded by our Advocates for Life and staff.
The parade starts at the Denver’s City and County Building and winds through downtown. You can view it for free along the route which includes Tremont Street (between 14th and 17th), 17th Street (from Tremont to Arapahoe), Arapahoe Street (between 17th and 15th), and 15th Street (from Arapahoe to Glenarm).
The Meaning of Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of Death), has become a vibrant celebration that brings together culture, tradition, and community. This Mexican holiday honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away, celebrating their lives with color, music, and offerings. Rather than seeing death as an end, Día de Muertos views it as part of the natural cycle of life. Every year, on November 1st and 2nd, Mexican and Latino communities across Colorado create altars filled with marigold flowers, candles, photos, and favorite foods of their loved ones, welcoming their spirits back home in a beautiful act of remembrance.
How to Build an Altar and the Meaning of the Offerings
The altar is the heart of Día de los Muertos, and across Mexico. To build one, families choose a special space and create different levels representing the sky, earth, and the underworld. Each element on the altar holds deep meaning water quenches the spirit’s thirst, salt purifies, candles light the way, and marigold flowers guide souls with their bright color and scent. Photos, paper decorations, sugar skulls, and favorite dishes like pan de muerto or tamales complete the offering. Traditionally, November 1st honors children—known as “angelitos”—and November 2nd is dedicated to adults.
Donor Alliance and Día de los Muertos in Colorado
During this meaningful celebration, Donor Alliance joined the Latino community at various Día de Muertos events in Colorado with organization like Amigos de Mexico, Aurora Public Libraries, Servicios de la Raza y Mexican Cultural Center, supporting families as they honored their loved ones and remembered the organ and tissue donors who gave the gift of life. As part of these celebrations, Donor Alliance provided commemorative cards where community members wrote the names of their loved ones and placed them on the altars as a heartfelt tribute.
Día de Muertos reminds us that love and memory transcend time. Just as we honor those who have passed, we can give life to others through organ donation. You can Check the Box Yes and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at your local DMV or online at donatelifecolorado.org. Because remembering can also mean giving life.
Join Donor Alliance at Colorado State University as the Rams take on the Fresno State Bulldogs! We’re teaming up with CSU Athletics to raise awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Fans can learn more about the impact of donation and register as donors on-site. The game time is TBD and will be updated once available.
