Here's a sobering statistic: although Colorado ranks fifth in adjusted gross income, the state ranks 36th in terms of charitable giving.

"Colorado residents are better than this," noted Lynn Robinson, Chief Executive Officer at Easter Seals of Colorado. "We believe our residents will give more if they are educated about the need and how they can impact it."

Easter Seals Colorado, the Colorado Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Special Olympics Colorado are banding together to urge residents to give to their organizations when paying their state taxes. All three groups focus on helping those least able to help themselves: people with disabilities.

Robins said because of the economic downturn, it is more important then ever to support organizations that assist people with disabilities..

Over 800,000 Coloradans are currently living with a disability. With 1 in 5 Americans affected by a long-term or permanent disability over the course of their lifetime, it is very likely that many of us and those we love or care for will be positively impacted by donations to groups who serve people with disabilities.

How Colorado provides funding for people with disabilities

Giving to charity when paying your state taxes is an easy way to give an anonymous gift to our state's leading nonprofits.

The Voluntary Tax Form is found on the back page of your Colorado Income Tax Form. To give to organizations that support people with disabilities, check boxes 36, 42 and 43. "No gift is too small; every dollar counts," Robinson noted. "Check a box and change a life. By giving when paying your state taxes you can help children, adults and seniors with disabilities live more independently. You can make a difference!"