Photo Credit: ksuwildcat
~This post will remain at the top of Bargain Blessings today. To see today’s deals please scroll down~
As I’m sure many of you did also, I sat in front of my TV last night, watching the horrific fire tear through the community of Colorado Springs. There are not enough words in this world to express the deep sadness for all of the loss that was unfolding before me. Within a matter of hours, a seemingly “controlled” fire (if there is such a thing) became out of control as it was fanned by 65mph winds. The devastation that now flashes across the TV screen in the daylight reveals what was happening beneath the darkness, smoke and flames last night and the sight is sickening.
I thought that yesterday’s Jesus Calling devotional was rather fitting for a day that turned from good to bad so quickly:
Stay Calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what. Remember that I go before you as well as with you into the day. Nothing takes Me by surprise. I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you. so long as you look to Me. I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents. Collaborating with Me brings blessings that far outweigh all your troubles. Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities.
~Psalm 23:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:16-17~
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Colorado communities that are facing wildfires today, including the brave firefighters that continue to fight back.
How You Can Help
Many Bargain Blessings readers have contacted me looking for ways to help those who have been displaced by the fires or are working to bring aid, so we have compiled the below information that we will continue to update throughout the week.
HelpColoradoNow.org is a great resource for seeing which organizations are helping and areas you can get involved. Colorado officials are saying that the best way people can help is to donate money so rescue organizations can purchase the exact supplies they need. If giving a monetary donation is an option for you, here is a list of the four main organizations helping with the Colorado fires:
– ColoradoRedCross.org/donate
– Larimer County Humane Society (involved in housing evacuated animals)
– Salvation Army
– ACS Community Lift (Adventist Community Services Disaster Response)
For individuals who wish to give donation items, there are a couple drop off locations. HelpColoradoNow.org has also posted a list of the current donation item needs. So please, before you start getting stuff together read the list below and make sure what you’re giving is what they need!
Waldo Canyon Fire
Care and Share is receiving non-perishable food and water donations at, located on 2605 Preamble Point, Colorado Springs, between 9 am – 6 pm Sunday and 7 am – 6 pm Monday-Friday.
At present time, Care and Share Food Bank is requesting the following items for the Waldo Canyon Fire efforts, in order of importance:
-Canned and boxed meals
-Macaroni and Cheese
-Soups
-Beef Stew
-Ravioli
-Cereal
-#10 cans of fruits and vegetables
-Personal Care products
-NEW towels and washcloths
-lotion
-deodorant
-shavers
-shaving crème
-tooth paste
-diapers
Certified Folder Display located at 9869 East Easter Ave in Centennial, CO 80104 (near the old Landry’s) is also accepting donations for the Waldo Canyon fire between the hours of 6:30am to 3:30pm. Their phone number is: 303-663-4069
The High Park Fire
The High Park Fire Donation Center is open for those dropping off donations daily from 9 am-7 pm, seven days/week. They are located at 215 E. Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins, 80525 at the former Mervyn’s Space.
Needed items at the High Park Collection Center Include:
Priority items
- New batteries
- New underwear and socks
- Furniture
- Water jugs
- Chain saws
- Furniture
Other Needed Items
- Basic home first aid supplies
- Sunscreen
- School supplies
- Backpacks
- Water bottles
- Laundry baskets
- Men’s jeans
- Coveralls and overalls
- Work boots
- Children and pant hangers
- New and used sleeping bags
- Clothing Racks
- New sheets all sizes
- New and used camping equipment
- New pots and pans
- Silverware
- Paper cups and paper plates
- Trash cans and trash bags
- Outdoor tables and chairs
- Outdoor storage
- Gloves
- Shovels
- Tarps
- Building supplies
- Generators
- Gift cards from area merchants
- Personal hygiene items
- Non-perishable foods – NOT HOME COOKED MEALS
- Laundry and cleaning supplies
- Please NO used clothing
Additionally, the Larimer County Humane Society is working to assist pets and wildlife affected by the High Park fire. You can visit their website for a complete list of needs at this time.
Woodland Heights Fire
The Woodland Heights Fire is being supported by Estes Park Soaring Eagles to collect donations. Donations can be dropped off between now and Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the following locations:
- Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Ave. (outside Administration, Room 150) 8 am – 5 pm, Monday-Friday.
- The Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 1209 Manford Ave. (outside the Ticket Booth). Daily, 7 am – 7 pm
Springer Fire, Park County
The Springer Fire in Park County is not in need of any donations at this time. You can show your support by thanking local firefighters for the work they have done though! Send your letters to [email protected]. The firefighters will have a chance to read your messages of support.
***UPDATES AS OF 6/28***
– The Cheyenne Mountain High School shelter is asking for ice, work gloves, welding gloves/high gloves to protect arms while taking care of animals, animal collars and leashes at the school at 1200 W. Cheyenne Rd. Volunteer veterinarians are also appreciated. Please call 719-444-7919 before you go to verify these items are still needed.
–The Red Cross is asking for donations to its Disaster Relief Fund. You can earmark those donations to a specific disaster. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
— Goodwill is taking donations for evacuees and will distribute as needed. More info: www.discovermygoodwill.org
— The Pikes Peak Humane Society asks that you consider monetary donations at hsppr.org. They are in need of animal kennels. They could also use bottled water for staff and volunteers.
–If you want to offer housing or need housing as a result of the Waldo Canyon Fire, you can post your need here: https://waldofire.com/
— If you want to offer housing to High Park Fire (Ft Collins) victims who are still evacuated, visit this website: https://cohighparkfirehousing.
— Local artists have banned together to raise money for the Colorado Wildfires. Buy one of their t-shirts for $20 and 100% of the proceeds go to help fire victims. https://www.wildfiretees.com/
Alright Bargain Blessing family, go check your stockpiles and see what we can do together! Let’s also remember to take a moment to pray for the victims and volunteers affected by the fires.
Ashley says
I’m in Fort Collins and I was actually at the High Park Fire Distribution Center yesterday for about 8 hours. I just wanted to let you know, there have been some amazing donations. Someone donated 2 cases of fresh fruit from Palisades, that was very well loved. In addition Dress Barn, Ikea and the Boy Scouts have also donated a lot of supplies to be distributed up north. The latest update I have is that collections are suppose to end on Monday, but if you have any furniture (New mattresses and couches are a huge need), men’s work clothing, tools (shovels, chain saws, water jugs, ect.), new underwear/socks, tents, or camp stoves in good condition, I’d try to get them in as soon as possible. Please spread the word. Thank you Jennie again for all your hard work.
Jennie says
Thanks so much for the updates Ashley and for all you’re doing up there in Fort Collins Ashley!
Jodiann via Facebook says
thank you for the info! I shared on my FB.
Jodiann via Facebook says
thank you for the info! I shared on my FB.
Hazel says
In chatting with my boss, I’ve got a little more info that might be of help:
Certified Folder Display located at 9869 East Easter Ave in Centennial, CO 80112 (near the old Landry’s) is also accepting donations for the Waldo Canyon fire between the hours of 6:30am to 3:30pm. Their phone number is: 303-663-4069
We’ll collect for both the Fort Collins & Colorado Springs – we have drivers on the road daily and depending on volume, will adjust the deliveries to the specified locations.
If you’re thinking of bringing any items, it’d be swell if you could call first – ask for either Janet or Sean. But, it’s not critical that you call.
We aren’t here on the weekends so it would have to be Monday thru Friday.
Also, we got a little heads up that there are scammers out there going door to door asking for donations. Just a little FYI 🙂
Poodles Nachos!
Hazel says
Argh, just one more thing … we’re by where the Trail Dust used to be, not the Old Landry’s. I know it’s close but figured I’d best correct my fo pah, err faux pas or people would be thinking Landry’s closed down.
I need a nap.
Sharon says
Thank you so much for posting this. I have loads of toiletries and non-perishable food that I can donate but every time I tried to find where to take them, I was led to a page telling me that all they want are Red Cross donations. I can do that in a month or two, but I’d like to help right now!
Debi via Facebook says
Are you close, I’m in broomfield and can smell the flagstaff and could see it yesterday
Mommy Kane says
Jennie, thank you so much for this post! There aren’t even words to begin talking about how awful the fire is. This compilation is awesome. Apparently the community has been wonderful with donations, I think they even have stopped asking for liquid items, since they received so much. I do know they were in need of easy, fast meal items, like powerbars and granola bars. Quick eats. However I am sure your links provide all the good details. Again thank you so much for making up this list!
BTW, is the coupon class still on for this weekend?
Hazel says
I have spoken with our Senior VP / GM and he has given the go ahead on being a collection center and utilizing our vehicles to deliver goods to drop locations.
Please feel free to send me an email @ janeth@certifiedfolderdotcom if you have any thoughts or would like to take part. I live in Castle Rock and can handle items from there as well.
Sharon says
Way to go Hazel!
Hazel says
I noticed this morning that there are several items on close-out at Soopers in the Travel / Trial sized section.
I think, although it goes against ever fiber in my being, I may become a “Newman” and clear some bins.
Consider yourself warned 🙂
Oh how I wish there was a free toothpase / toothbrush deal running at one of the stores!
Stacy via Facebook says
https://www.facebook.com/events/322709967814135/
Stacy via Facebook says
Jennie, we’re doing an online prayer vigil here on Facebook at noon today. It would be great if you could help spread the word
Amie says
Here is another website accepting donations for the Colorado mile High Chapter of the Red Cross to aid displaced families and firefighters.
https://www.causes.com/actions/1663083
Jennie says
Thanks Amie. It looks like the Red Cross link that I shared above also has the option to select a local chapter of the Red Cross.
Hazel says
Yowza, you really know how to put out a post … this is more info plopped into one place than I could have ever imagined. You are amazing!
I’m down with helping in any way, shape or form. We have a big warehouse here if anyone wanted to drop items off. Our Service Manager lives in the Springs and makes trips up here (Centennial) I could get him to make drops down there. I’d even trust him with my cans of Beef-A-Roni!
It’s time for our Bargain Blessings family to pull together – if we join forces we CAN move a mountain, even if it is on fire 🙂