WALDO CANYON FIRE: GET HELP, GIVE HELP

HOW CAN YOU GET HELP? HOW CAN YOU GIVE HELP?

The Waldo Canyon fire displaced more than 32,000 people. Homes and valuables have been lost, but a community has rallied together, providing an overwhelming outpouring of support. Below is a comprehensive list of HOW YOU CAN GET HELP and HOW YOU CAN GIVE HELP.

These listings are directly from friends and neighbors in our community. They provide ways to contribute -- and ways to receive -- assitance for the Waldo Canyon Fire relief efforts. You can also see the following agencies for details on donating time, goods and money.

• Pikes Peak United Way
• Red Cross
• Red Cross Safe and Well (Registration)
• Care and Share
• Penrose Equestrian Center
• Salvation Army
• Help Colorado Now
• Waldofire.com
• Pikes Peak Community Foundation/Waldo Canyon Fire Fighter Fund

UPDATED 2 p.m. Saturday

•Saturday: Rodeo tonight. The Norris-Penrose Event Center is offering free tickets to the first 3,000 evacuees for tonight's Ranch Rodeo, plus a free burger and drink. Starts at 6:30 p.m. but gates are open now. norrispenrose.com/events/?event_id=59

•Saturday: Free pancake brunch and BBQ dinner for evacuees in need, Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. There will also be games and giveaways for kids. Heart of the Springs Church, 2726 North Union Boulevard, 632-1565.

•Saturday: Quick Quack Car Wash, 4285 Austin Bluffs Parkway, is giving away free car washes for a donation. All proceeds will be given to the Red Cross in support of local fire victims. Call 531-7474.

SUNDAY

•  We are Community! We are Colorado! Castle Rock/Douglas County 5K run and donation drive, 8 a.m. Sunday, Douglas County Event Center. Delivery at 10:30 a.m. Sunday to Colorado Springs Care and Share Food Bank. They’ve already delivered several truckloads of necessities for firefighters and victims.

DAILY:  

• Affordable housing can be found at http://coloradohousingsearch.com or http://PPAR.com. Homeowners should ask there insurance company what kind of documentation of the damage is necessary before they start cleaning. Also some insurance companies will reimburse spoiled food.  

•IKEA Centennial offers fire victims a discount to refurbish their homes, 30 percent off all items in the store up to $10,000 for victims of both High Plains and Waldo Canyon fires. Bring voucher from the Red Cross, through Dec. 31, 2012

•Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott Hotels are offering a 40% disount (flat rate listed) for evacuees at these properties: Courtyard by Marriott, 570 Tenderfoot Hill Road, 226-5006 $99; Fairfield Inn by Marriott South, 2725 Geyser Drive, 576-1717, $89,Pet Friendly;Residence Inn by Marriott South, 2765 Geyser Drive, 576-0101, Pet Friendly, $109

•Arc of the Pikes Peak is collecting clothing and household items to be distributed to individuals and families who have been displaced by the fire. Drop-off site, 12 N. Meade Ave., behind the parking lot at Arc of Pikes Peak, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday through Sunday. Items needed include macaroni and cheese, soups, beef stew, ravioli, cereal, #10 cans fruits and vegetables, granola bars, beef jerkey, protein bars, new towels and washcloths, lotion, deodorant, shavers, shaving cream, toothpaste, diapers and hand sanitizer. 

•CPR-Cell Phone Repair is offering a free phone charging station for people displaced by the fires and first responders 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Thursday, Friday; 10 a.m. -3 p.m., Saturday. While supplies last, they also have replacement phone chargers available. CPR is located at 3440 N. Academy Blvd. Please call 719-573-6154

•McCabe's Tavern is offering a "Adopt a FireFighter" program, with 200 meals purchased by Saturday. Customers can purchase a meal for a firefighter (their famous Green Chili Mac & Cheese) and McCabe's will match it. No firefighter will be turned down for a free meal at McCabe's. 520 South Tejon Street, 633-3300.

•To aid in the relief effort for the Waldo Canyon Fire, Kuni Lexus and Kuni Automotive Group will match monetary donations to Care & Share at their Colorado Springs dealership up to $5,000. Make donations at 604 Auto Heights, 385-0111.

•Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek has implemented community sleep arrangements at their hotel, the Gold King Mountain Inn. For those evacuees staying at the Inn, free breakfast will be provided, and will have access to their showers and bathrooms. All evacuees will be given 50% off meals at Mavericks Buffet. Wildwood management asks that victims bring a sleeping bag and pillow, if possible. RV’s are welcome, but there are no electrical or pump hookups. Highway 67 at the Gateway to Cripple Creek, 244-9700.

•Terra Verde is offering to match all cash or check donations up to $5,000. Stop in to their downtown location and donate to Red Cross, Pikes Peak Humane Society, Care and Share Food Bank or other group supporting the Waldo Canyon Fire effort. Located at 208 N. Tejon St., 444-8621.

•Speedy Shine Express Car Wash is offering a free premier wash with Rain-X wax to everyone evacuated from their home due to the Waldo Canyon fire. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 395 S. 8th St., 471-2103.

•Ross Auction will donate 10% of its public estate auction sales 10 a.m. Fridays and noon Saturdays. Proceeds will be split between Care & Share and Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 815 S. Sierra Madre St., 632-6693.

•Total Function Physical Therapy PC is offering a free assessment and treatment for people injured during fire-related evacutations. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 502 East Pikes Peak Ave., 473-2958.

•Tucanos Brazilian Grill Colorado ‏will match all cash or check donations dropped off at the restaurant, up to $10,000. Proceeds will be distributed to Care & Share. Tucanos is located at 3294 Cinema Point, 597-3800.

•Jack Quinns is offering all firefighters, police officers and first responders complimentary cheeseburgers with the fixin's and hearty Shepherds Pie to recharge. Also, for all evacuees, there is a 15-percent reduction on your food bill with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Please feel free to use our upstairs to relax and enjoy some TV and/or quiet music. Call 385-0766.

•Ecumenical Social Ministries Services is offering food, clothing and showers to all evacuees. Services are available 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Monday-Friday at 201 N. Weber St. Call 636-1916.

The Women's Resource Agency will provide clothing to evacuated women and girls. They're located in the Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel E, Suite 3128. Call 471-3170. 

•El Pomar Foundation today announced $2.5 million in funding to support human service providers and first responders involved with Colorado’s wildfire outbreak. Included in the funding is $100,000 to establish the Waldo Canyon Fire Victim Assistance Fund, which will be administered by Pikes Peak United Way. Pikes Peak United Way will accept donations from community members for families and individuals affected by the Waldo Canyon fire. Donors can send contributions to: Pikes Peak United Way, Attn: Waldo Canyon Fire Victim Assistance Fund, 518 N. Nevada Avenue, 80903.   

•Spectrum Rehabilitation’s three locations are collecting the following items for firefighters and evacuees as a Care and Share collection site: #10 (large) cans of food, rice/beans, protein Bars, water/Gatorade, personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste,  soap and shampoo. They are located at 810 Arcturus Drive, 4020 Palmer Park Blvd. # 101C (this location closed Wednesday), 115 Fontaine Blvd.

•Deanna Gomes Fine Art Portraiture is offering free portraits to family who lost precious photos in the fire. Fire victims will receive a 1-by-14-inch wall portrait at no cost. They're located at 6338 Firestar Lane. Call 719-646-5774.

•The Colorado Springs World Arena will serve as a drop-off location for donated food items and personal care items to go to in cooperation with Care and Share, which is asking for non-perishable food items and snack items like canned tuna, peanut butter, protein bars and boxed meals. They are also requesting personal care items such as shaving cream, razors, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, etc.  People who wish to donate are asked to bring their items to the arena. 

•Due to the high amount of traffic and volume at Care & Share, people can drop off Food Donations & Supplies at all 5 Louie's Pizza Locations. 2771 Briargate Blvd., 4815 Barnes Rd., 5996 Stetson Hills Blvd., 1146 E. Fillmore, 333 N. Tejon #C.

•Rockies Counseling Center will offer free therapy sessions for anyone needing to debrief with an experience therapist in a confidential and supportive setting. Up to three free sessions available on a drop-in or appointment basis. Rockies Counseling Center is located at 555 East Pikes Peak Avenue (old Santa Fe Railroad Depot). Call 719-442-0606.

•Child Care Connections has child care providers offering to provide free or reduced child care for families evacuated. Call 638-2070.

•Powers Auto Park, located on Woodmen Road between Austin Bluffs Parkway and Powers Boulevard, has been designated a Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado collection site. The site has been established in support of the Waldo Canyon fire evacuations. Please bring nonperishable food items to any of the six dealerships located in the Powers Auto Park and they will deliver them safely to the Care and Share warehouse.

• Evacuees may shower at Pikes Peak Community College’s Centennial Campus, 5675 S. Academy Blvd., during the following hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday. Call 502-2000.
• The YMCA is now allowing access to its eight YMCA centers including the rec centers, along with city outdoor pools, free of charge with proper ID to those evacuated until they are no longer displaced.
• National Dog Mill Rescue, 5335 JD Johnson Road, Peyton, is opening their doors to evacuees. If anyone needs assistance or can provide local support, please call 719-495-7679.
• All Souls Universal Church, 730 N. Tejon St., is open for evacuees and can accommodate small pets in crates. Call 719-633-7717
• Evacuation point opened at Springs Church in the former Phil Long Expo Center, 1515 Auto Mall Loop. This is not a shelter, but open to evacuees to regroup and connect with loved ones.
• Shelter for evacuated horses is available at the MM Equestrian Center, 12393 Squirrel Creek Rd., Fountain, in Fountain. They have room for nine horses. Call 719-492-8762.
• A mobile laptop lab is now available for evacuees at the Red Cross Shelter at Cheyenne Mountain High School, 1200 W. Cheyenne Road. There are currently 12 laptops available until the shelter closes. Call 719-531-6333, ext. 1202.
• The Pikes Peak Community Foundation has established a fund to support Waldo Canyon Firefighters. The fund will provide financial resources and support needs that may arise — from cots to firefighting equipment. Donations are being accepted online at www.ppcf.org
• Downtown Partnership is collecting donations for firefighters and fire victims. All items will be distributed through Care and Share. For a list of what’s needed, see careandshare.org. Items can be donated at: Downtown Partnership office, 111 S. Tejon St., Suite 309, 719-886-0088; or 8 a.m. Friday, Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 719-634-5581.
• Carmichael Training Systems is welcoming area cyclists to ride indoors at their location on 600 S. 21st St. Riding sessions are free from 4-8 p.m. and Computrainer workouts start on the hour. Call 719-635-0645, ext. 1.
• Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado is offering assistance to evacuees. They are accepting material donations and offering vouchers to those affected. Items including clothing, household goods and furniture are being accepted at all attended donation sites in Colorado Springs. Those requiring vouchers must visit the following retail centers 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: 1070 Kelly Johnson Blvd.; 2007 S. Circle Dr.; and 2655 Waynoka Place. Voucher amounts will be determined by family size and how significantly one has been displaced. For those donating, please designate intended items specifically to Waldo Canyon Fire efforts. Call 867-1117.
• Springs Rescue Mission is opening their warehouse for Waldo Fire Relief. Needed items include Gatorade, blankets, food, clothing and household items. Collection hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Donated items will be dispersed to agencies directly engaged with those affected by the Waldo Canyon fire. Call 719-632-1822.
• Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs has rooms available for evacuees at a discounted rate of $89. Dogs and cats are welcome, but a non-refundable $50 pet fee applies. They are located at 2886 South Circle, 576-5900.
• Safeway stores are now collecting donations for fire relief. Customers have the option of rounding up their purchase price and donating the balance to the fire relief fund. Donations will be collected until further notice, dependant on fire status. All Colorado Springs Safeways are participating, including Monument and Falcon. Funds collected will go to American Red Cross and then dispersed to the Waldon Canyon Fire Relief.
• SecureCare Self-Storage is offering 30 days of free storage at all its Colorado Springs-area locations, no questions asked. Call 1-877-907-1649 for more information.
• The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is opening its facilities to evacuees until further notice. The Y also is opening its day camps to children of evacuees, ages 5 to 12. Evacuees can enroll a child for as many days as they need, space permitting. The Briargate Y camps are full, but the others have openings, she said. Go to http://www.ppymca.org/for Y locations, hours and contact information.
• The Mining Exchange is offering rooms at a discounted price of $99 for fire evacuees. The rooms are not ready to open to the public, but the hotel owner said they have all the amenities that people need. Call 323-2000.
• Family Life Services will open its facilities to any local business or nonprofit that needs a meeting space or check-in point for its employees. There is wi-fi, a full service kitchen and a flat screen TV. Call executive director Julie Abel at 322-1637 to make arrangements.
• D ‘n J Towing and Recovery, 2255 Busch Ave., is offering free storage for evacuees’ RVs, motor homes and trailers through Friday. Call 492-0147.
• Rocky Mountain Health Care Services, 310 S. 14th Street, can shelter up to 50 evacuees and their pets. They also could use blankets, sheets, pillows, cots and air mattresses. Call 641-2747.

MONDAY

 •Colorado Springs School District 11 will open North Middle School, 612 E. Yampa St., as a support center for parents and students to go to receive any counseling services needed, in light of the Waldo Canyon fire devastation. In addition, the computer lab will be open for use. Hours of operation: 1-4 p.m. Monday, 9-11 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, 9-11 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. Thursday, and 1-4 p.m. Friday.

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Erin Prater and Loree Rider contributed to this report.