It’s happening all over again.
Starting the summer off with rampant wildfires feels like déjà vu; the odd orange sunsets, the smell of smoke morning and evenings, and the truly awful reports issuing from the front lines, as crews struggle to gain control. Hundreds of homes lost, thousands of acres scorched.
As of this writing, at least six fires raged across the state, with the possibility of more sparking as weather conditions hold at warm, windy and dry. You might feel powerless to help, but there are ways to ease the struggle for those in need.
According to www.helpcoloradonow.org, the best contribution at this point is financial, since cash allows disaster agencies to purchase exactly what is needed.
To make a financial gift to the organization of your choice, visit the website for a list of reputable agencies responding to the disaster or dial 211 (or 866-760-6489).
Volunteering: Do not go to the scene
At this point, volunteers are not needed for the Colorado wildfires. The arrival of unexpected volunteers will interfere with response efforts. Stay safe by volunteering with a reputable agency!
Volunteers will be needed most during the recovery phase. Please be patient and wait until relief agencies can train you and use your help. To sign up for volunteering efforts, visit helpcoloradonow.org.
Material Donations: no material donations are needed currently.
Donate only those things that are requested by officials and bring them to the official designated collection centers – if established. Items not needed may go to waste and get in the way of relief efforts.
Donations for vacant rental properties, vacation homes, can be listed through Colorado Housing Search. Please note donated rooms in homes can not be accepted
Meal donations from restaurants (no home cooked meals please) may be needed for some local personnel and organizations supporting response efforts. If you are a restaurant and want to donate meals, volunteer through the website, then wait to be contacted (never bring food to a site unless it is requested).
Contact Staff Writer Gene Sears at gsears@metrowestnewspapers.com.