Lemont Resident Collects Donations for Colorado Wildfire Victims

Over the past month, Colorado residents have been devastated by two of the worst wildfires in state history—first in High Park, just west of Fort Collins, then in Waldo Canyon, near Colorado Springs.

The fires burned more than 100,000 acres, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing more than 32,000 residents to evacuate.

Despite being more than 1,000 miles away, the disaster hit close to home for Lemont resident Emily Fox, who graduated last year from Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, CO.

"CCU and my church are far enough away that they weren't affected, but so many families of people I went to school with were," Fox said.

Fox, 22, had been planning to visit Lakewood this summer with her boyfriend, Dennis Nelson. After seeing the devastation caused by the fires, she knew she wanted to do something to help.

Earlier this month, she received an email from her pastor at Westwoods Community Church in Lakewood about a collection for the wildfire victims. Requested items ranged from gift cards and clothing to water bottles and first-aid kits.

"I knew I didn't have the means to go out and buy all these things that they need, but I do live in a town that has always been willing to lend a hand to those in need," Fox said. "I thought, 'OK, maybe I can't make a huge donation on my own, but I can collect as much stuff as I can before I go out there.'"

Fox immediately contacted Lemont resident Terri O'Neill-Borders, founder of the Hope and Friendship Foundation, to put together a last-minute collection.

"Terri is the go-to person in town when it comes to stuff like this," Fox said. "I knew she'd be able to help me spread the word."

O'Neill-Borders said she was happy to lend a hand.

"Tragedies like this upset me because we tend to focus on what's happening as the crisis is occurring," O'Neill-Borders said. "After it's over, you don't hear about it as much, even though the need is still great. The people whose homes were destroyed in these fires are going to need help for a long time, just like the people in Hurricane Katrina."

O'Neill-Borders said she also knows people who live near the area destroyed by the fires.

"It's important to not only help people in our corner of the world, but those who need us in other communities," she said.

For Fox, the opportunity to involve her hometown in the relief effort is particularly meaningful.

"In college, I selfishly wanted people to see what my life was like back in Lemont, and I wanted the people back home to be part of my life in Lakewood," she said. "Bringing my two worlds together like this is kind of amazing, despite the circumstances."

Fox said the best donations would be gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart or IKEA, since they're easier to transport.

Priority items include new batteries, new underwear and socks, water bottles and chain saw blades.

Other items being collected:

• Sunscreen
• First-aid supplies
• School supplies
• Backpacks
• Water bottles
• Laundry baskets/bags
• Men's jeans
• Work boots
• Hangers for pants and children's clothing
• New and used sleeping bags
• New sheets (all sizes)
• New pots and pans
• New and used camping equipment
• Coveralls and overalls
• Silverware
• Paper cups and paper plates
• Trash bags
• Gloves
• Shovels
• Tarps
• Building supplies
• Gift cards from area merchants
• Personal hygiene items
• Non-perishable foods
• Laundry and cleaning supplies

Drop boxes will be located at the office, 1115 Warner Ave., and the , 14600 W. 127th St., through Sunday, July 15. They can be accessed until 4 p.m. each day.

Fox will leave two days later with as many items as she can fit in her SUV, she said.

"I can't wait to visit Colorado. It's where I spent the best four years of my life," she said. "It's just more special knowing we'll be able to make a contribution to those in need."

To drop off gift cards or a monetary donation, contact Fox at 630-788-7495 or emfox789@gmail.com. For more information, contact O'Neill-Borders at hopeandfriendship@comcast.net.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

There are plenty of ways to keep up on  news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take.