When disaster strikes Girl Scouts want to reach out and make a difference to those affected and the current situation with wildfires in Colorado is no different. Your Girl Scout or troop may want to start a clothing or food drive, but that may not be what most people need. In fact, relief workers have said the time it takes to accept, sort through, and distribute all that stuff often gets in the way of the most important relief efforts.
We encourage you to instead consider making a gift to an organization helping with disaster relief. GSUSA has lifted the fundraising restriction to enable girls to raise money for Girl Scout recovery efforts at Girl Scouts of Colorado.
GSCO understands that many are already stretched thin, emotionally and financially due to the pandemic and are unable to contribute finically. But you can still help! Girl Scouts can send letters of thanks and support to firefighters and first responders working to combat the fires. You can mail cards for Girl Scouts affected by the fires to our Northern Colorado office, 2725 Rocky Mountain Ave., Suite 420, Loveland, CO 80538, and we will make sure they get to troops in the area. You can also post banners or signs at your home and/or on your social media networks.
Though it’s not safe for community volunteer projects related to the fire yet, United Way will post volunteer opportunities online at www.NoCoVolunteers.org when they do become available.
GSUSA has also produced a Disaster Response Booklet for Girl Scouts and troops.
Below is a list of some organizations you can make monetary donations to
Community members can contribute to the Larimer County United Way by donating online at https://uwaylc.org/post/Cameron-Peak-Fire-Response-Fund or by texting “LARIMERUNITED” to 41444.
The United Way has also started a page and a donation Amazon list
The American Red Cross of Northern Colorado is providing daily services to evacuees including finding temporary housing and much more. Support its mission at redcross.org/local/colorado/about-us/Locations/northern-colorado.html.
Humane Society of Boulder Valley https://give.boulderhumane.org/give/67294/#!/donation/checkout
Larimer Humane Society
Longmont Humane Society https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E292106&id=4
The Larimer County Fairgrounds has taken in hundreds of horses. They need help with supplies until these animals can go home.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-supplies-noco-evacuated-livestock?utm_source=customer&
The Ranch Events Center is accepting donations of grass hay to help with large animal shelter. Call Maggie Steely at 970-619-4009 first to donate.
Volunteers of America: To donate to Volunteers of America, which has been helping with pre-evacuation calls for the Cameron Peak Fire, visit voa.org.