This past week has been a difficult one for Colorado residents. Large wildfires and high temperatures have destroyed thousands of homes, forcing residents to evacuate their communities to find safe shelter. Although many people and organizations are helping the relief efforts, they still need more help!

How can you get involved in helping Colorado and the rest of the Rocky Mountain region during this hard time? Volunteer your time and efforts to helping neighbors!

• Have some spare change? Any monetary amount will be greatly appreciated by the volunteer organizations that are currently assisting emergency efforts. Financial donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what they need to ensure proper assistance. No organization is preferred over another; choose one that you are particularly drawn to.
• Donate your time to a volunteer organization: Organizations such as the Red Cross, the Humane Society, and the Salvation Army are already stationed in the Colorado Springs area. Do not come unexpectedly to these areas for safety reasons. Sign up to help efforts when volunteers are needed.
• Material donations are a great way to help! The surrounding county volunteer organizations are asking for very specific donations at this time. The list includes:
• • Meal donations from restaurants
  • Donations from rental properties for displaced individuals
  • New batteries
  • New underwear and socks
  • Furniture
  • Water bottles
  • Chain saws
  • New pots and pans
  • Generators
  • Work boots

More ideas for donation needs can be found here.

• Hold a yard sale or charitable event: Either event is a great way to get your local community involved in relief efforts. Get your neighbors together for a yard sale to help raise money for the victims and Colorado. A charitable event is a fun way to raid awareness for the disaster, while getting much needed donations for voluntary efforts.
• Hold a blood drive: It’s easy! Contact the Red Cross about holding a blood drive at your workplace, school, church, or other community center. Donating blood is a great way to give the much needed gift of life to your neighbors!

Colorado needs our help at this time. Come together with your community and help support them in their efforts.

Do you want to learn more about The High Park Fire? Check out Help Colorado Now for up-to-date volunteer information and residential needs. Our Colorado Action Center, United Way of Larimer County is a great resource for interested volunteers, as well.