DENVER — As several wildfires continue to burn in Colorado, two of them forcing people from their homes, many people are wondering how they can help.
Here are some tips from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
At this time, the best way to help is through donations.
The Salvation Army has a donation page here.
State government officials say that the arrival of volunteers at this time would impede the response efforts but that volunteers will be needed during the recovery phase. For more information check out the HelpColoradoNow.org.
The American Red Cross has set up several evacuation centers for residents displaced by the Black Forest Fire.
They include:
— Palmer Ridge High School, 19255 Monument Hill Rd., Monument
— Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa
— University of Colorado Colorado Springs Recreation Center, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs (Opening at 3 p.m.
If you would like to support Red Cross Disaster Relief go to redcross.org/Colorado or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
The Salvation Army has provided 5,300 meals, 20,000 and 15,000 energy bars to first responders and evacuees of the Black Forest Fire.
Volunteers are also helping the Royal Gorge Fire and the Klinkus Fire.
After last year’s devastating fires, two long-term funds were established. The Long-Term Recovery Group of Northern Colorado Fund comprises more than 50 nonprofit agencies, government organizations, faith-based groups and concerned citizens.
The fund was established to provide long-term care for those affected by the 2012 wildfires and subsequent flooding in Larimer County. The United Way of Larimer County is overseeing this fund.
The second is the Pikes Peak Region Long-Term Recovery Group. It aims to provide recovery services to individuals and families affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire in the Pikes Peak Region.
This fund provides long-term aid and resources in the following categories: case management and unmet needs, emotional and spiritual care, housing, material donation coordination and construction and clean-up.