Denver donors mobilize supplies, medicines and meals for wildfire-hit communities
Denver-area businesses, veterans’ organizations and community volunteers came together this week to send donations and relief supplies to communities affected by the Aspen Acres Fire, more than two hours south of the city. Local shops and groups say they packed a bus with nonperishables, water, medications and more, and prepared more than 1,500 care packages for residents and first responders.
The effort was organized in part by Top Edge Car Audio & Truck Accessories and a well-known community volunteer identified in coverage as "Big Tony." Volunteers worked alongside veterans’ groups and the Heather Gardens Retirement Community to collect and assemble donations.
"This is a no-brainer, absolute no-brainer," said Big Tony, describing the decision to send the bus and supplies to Penrose.
Owner Mark Miners of Top Edge told reporters that many families impacted by this season’s fires are "struggling and just having a hard time," and that local businesses wanted to help in a direct, practical way. Coverage from CBS Colorado shows volunteers loading water, boxed goods and other donated items at Top Edge’s collection point.
- Donation drive location: Top Edge Car Audio & Truck Accessories, 1015 E 70th Ave., Denver, CO 80229
- Items collected: nonperishables, water, medications, monetary donations
- Relief output: more than 1,500 care packages assembled for residents and firefighters
The volunteers also coordinated with a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post to distribute supplies in Penrose and to support the firefighters actively combating the blaze. One volunteer noted that, in a state of emergency, some residents cannot access their medications; volunteers planned to include medications when possible to address that need.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Care packages assembled | 1,500+ |
| Primary collection point | 1015 E 70th Ave., Denver, CO 80229 |
| Recipient community | Penrose, Colorado (and local first responders) |
Organizers described the effort as a community-led response to urgent need, driven by local merchants, veteran volunteers and retirement-community participants. "It's great to see the community come together and help each other," Miners said.
Coverage of the collection and bus-loading operation underscores a pattern residents see each wildfire season: aid often begins at neighborhood businesses and civic groups that can quickly marshal volunteers and supplies. For Denver readers looking to help in similar efforts, local collection points and veteran organizations frequently coordinate drives; Top Edge’s drive accepted nonperishables, water and monetary donations at its East 70th Avenue location.
As Colorado continues to confront a severe fire season, these grassroots efforts provide immediate relief to communities cut off by flames and smoke, and offer a practical channel for Denver-area residents to support neighbors beyond the metro area.
