Editor's note: Denver7 seeks out audience tips and feedback to help people in need, resolve problems and hold the powerful accountable. If you know of a community need our call center could address, or have a story idea for our investigative team to pursue, please email us at contact7@thedenverchannel.com or call (720) 462-7777. Find more Denver7 stories here.
WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- At the DoubleTree in Westminster, Denver7 crews came bearing gifts Tuesday morning: A hot breakfast and a kind word.
More than 140 fire evacuees, many forced from their homes on a moment's notice, are staying at the hotel, where their rooms have been covered by the Red Cross, but not their meals.
HOW TO HELP: To give to the Denver7 Gives Fund and to those affected by the wildfires, click here.
"When you have to leave in a hurry, you just forget things," said Louisa Hudson, an Estes Park evacuee. "The last thing on your mind is food, but then you get somewhere and you have to have food."
Thanks to generous donations from viewers to the Denver7 Gives Wildfire Victim's fund, Denver7 provided breakfast and lunch Tuesday to dozens of evacuees.
"I feel supported," said Chris Hayden, who was evacuated from his home in Estes Park Thursday. "As far as I'm concerned, that's the golden strand that runs through this. This is the first time I've been on the receiving end and I'm just blown away by the outpouring of generosity on the part of people."
Some of those forced from their homes, like Haley Salter, are still in shock from the harrowing drive down the mountain.
"It looked like it was almost nighttime. It was so terrifying," said Salter. "All the gas stations were either closed or out of gas and we were on an eighth of a tank, it was really scary."
But Salter and other evacuees told us they have found comfort in the community support pouring in.
"Awesome just to see this stuff laid out on the tables," said Kelley Urias, who was forced out of his home last week and is now going back. "It definitely keeps people smiling and positive."
Meanwhile, other restaurants, including Snooze and GQue BBQ, have stepped up to provide the next two meals, and several food trucks have also volunteered if more meals are needed. People have also been dropping off donations of drinks and gift cards for evacuees.
"Thank you Denver7 Gives for coming through for us -- this has been amazing," said Angie Harper, the general manager for the DoubleTree in Westminster. "Having you guys serve this morning, I really think a lot of people got a kick out of that, so that was really fun."
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.
