LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. -- The Denver7 Gives campaign was able to distribute tens of thousands of dollars Monday, money generously donated by Denver7 viewers as part of a wildfire relief fund.
Denver7 crews started Monday at McGuckin Hardware in Boulder, a family-owned hardware store that gave Denver7 a 10% discount on our entire purchase.
“We are thrilled that you are here,” said Barry Hight, whose family has owned McGuckin Hardware for 65 years. “My grandfather started it.”
Hight and his team know the value of helping community.
“It’s sad when people lose their houses in fire,” Hight said. “We’ve had that happen here in Boulder.”
Denver7 did some shopping for fire victims at McGuckin, purchasing rakes, shovels, screwdriver sets and other tools.
Then, it was on to Walmart, where five stores in Larimer County donated nearly two truckloads of bedding, pillows, food and countless other items. And a crew from Two Men and a Truck Moving Company helped to transport the items from McGuckin and Walmart to the Larimer County donation center.
“Nobody ever wants to be out homeless,” said Casey Gallacher with Two Men and a Truck. “You know – losing your own home. We filled a 26-foot truck with food, blankets, and all kinds of stuff.”
Clint Martinez has a brother who was impacted by the Cameron Peak Fire.
“He’s literally less than five miles, so he was in the emergency evacuation,” Martinez said. “He and his family had to pack it all up and leave. Thankfully, he didn’t lose his home. I appreciate being able to help.”
Those Denver7 Gives donations are now at the distribution center at the outlet shops in Loveland, where June Spaulding and her team from the 7th Day Adventist Disaster Recovery Center have a place for wildfire victims to come and shop for free.
“It looks like a store, so they can come in and shop,” Spaulding said. “It’s a very difficult situation. It doesn’t only just last two months or six months. Sometimes it takes people a while to recover. And if they’re rebuilding, there’s added stress with that.”
United Way helps with that longer-term recovery.
Denver7 Gives was able to cap a day of giving with a check to the United Way of Larimer County for $75,000 as they work to prioritize the greatest needs for families.
“How are these families affected by COVID, too?” said United Way vice president of community impact and engagement, Claire Bouchard. “That’s another layer that we’re also working with in this disaster, some people are already displaced from work. These funds help people get back on their feet.”
“It always makes us feel good that we’re able to help heal people,” Spaulding said.
Hundreds of viewers donated more than $275,000 to Denver7 Gives. Denver7 will distribute checks on Tuesday in Grand County where the East Troublesome Fire destroyed more than 300 homes.
Denver7 Gives has started a new fundraising campaign for victims of Colorado's wildfires. To donate, go here and then look for "Help Colorado Wildfire Victims" in the dropdown. We are working with our community partners up and down the Front Range to ensure every dollar raised stays in Colorado and helps families who've lost so much.
