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GRAND LAKE, Colo. — Despite being evacuated from her home, with only the clothes she was wearing, Diane Temple was still hard at work on Wednesday at the Grand Lake Mountain Market. She was stocking the shelves, preparing for other evacuees to return to town now that the snow has calmed the East Troublesome Fire.
“It’s just so devastating,” she said.
Diane’s home northwest of town was saved by firefighters, though she was told she may not be able to return home for two more weeks.
HOW TO HELP: To give to the Denver7 Gives Fund and to those affected by the wildfires, click here.
“In our neighborhood there... like five houses gone. Good friends and neighbors lost everything, so we are so grateful we haven’t lost it all,” she said.
But because of a hurried evacuation out of their home, Diane and her husband were only able to leave with one set of clothes.
“I may wear the same clothes for the next couple of weeks, rinse them out at night, but we’re gonna make it,” she said through tears.
Using a small amount of money raised by Denver7 viewers into the Denver7 Gives fund, reporter Jason Gruenauer bought Diane and her husband new shirts and sweatshirts, plus pants and socks.
“Oh they’re gorgeous,” Diane said as they were delivered. “Thank you so very much. It’s so appreciated and will be nice to have a nice warm shirt.”
Diane added that she will continue to stock the shelves and be ready for the rest of her community to return. Only now she will have more than a single outfit.
“Words can’t express what it means,” she said.
Denver7 Gives has started a new fundraising campaign for victims of Colorado's wildfires. To donate, go here and then look for "Help Colorado Wildfire Victims" in the dropdown. We are working with our community partners up and down the Front Range to ensure every dollar raised stays in Colorado and helps families who've lost so much.
