All right, Springs Bargains readers – you asked how to tangibly help families who lost their homes due to the Waldo Canyon Fire, and I’ve got an opportunity for you!
Byron, Becky, and their one-year-old daughter are friends-of-a-friend of mine, and lost their home in the Waldo Canyon fire. Last weekend, they moved into their temporary rental home, and as you can imagine, it’s empty.
When your home burns down, you lose everything.
We want to give Byron and Becky and their daughter a full pantry to give them a boost as they start rebuilding their lives. Many of their other needs, like clothing, dishes, and toys, have already been met, so we are going to focus on doing what Springs Bargains readers do best: stuffing a pantry! :)
You can drop off donations of non-perishable foods or household care items to Kitchens By Design, starting today through Friday, July 20th. Kitchens By Design is open from 9:30-5:30 Monday through Friday, and they’re located at 4557 Austin Bluffs Parkway. (Note: maps aren’t terribly accurate with the address, so just look for the store on the southeast corner of Austin Bluffs and Barnes, next to Skate City. There’s also a Little Caesar’s and Heart of Jerusalem in the same parking lot.)
There is no tax-deductible receipt for this – this is just something that we can do as the Springs Bargains community to help out another family. Any excess donations that Byron and Becky can’t use will be distributed to other families affected by the fire.
Remember, you are donating to one single family, not a food bank or shelter, so fifty tubes of toothpaste may not be the best donation for a small family. Here are some ideas for things you could donate:
- baking items: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, spices, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, baking mixes, food coloring, liquid extracts, seasoning mixes, chocolate chips
- condiments: ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, salad dressing, oil, vinegars, steak sauce, hot sauce, peanut butter, jelly, pancake syrup, soy sauce, pickles, salsa
- canned goods: vegetables, beans, soups, fruit, tuna, chicken
- dry goods: pasta, rice, beans, oatmeal, popcorn, dried fruit, taco shells
- snacks and drinks: crackers, chips, granola bars, trail mix, nuts, coffee, tea, candy, gum
- paper goods: toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, food storage bags, aluminum foil, cling wrap
- household care items: window cleaner, laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, bleach
- baby goods: size 3 diapers, wipes, diaper cream
- personal care: toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, sunscreen, facial cleanser, soap, body wash, shampoo, razors
If you can’t think of anything to donate, take a look in your own pantry and think about the things that aren’t something you normally think about donating but would be useful to someone who has lost everything.
No donation is too small! If all you can drop off is a bottle of ketchup, it will be appreciated. If you don’t have extra items in your pantry and can only buy one or two items, no problem – I know that Byron and Becky will be grateful!
If possible, please leave a comment on this post with what you plan to donate so that the rest of us can see what has already been pledged so we don’t get too many duplicates. (Some duplicates are OK, obviously, but if there have already been five bottles of shampoo pledged, you might want to think of something else.)
This is an opportunity that you can do to tangibly help someone in need. Let’s join together and help Byron and Becky as they rebuild their lives!
$1.99 for Pantry Essentials (gallon) at Safeway
OK, so here’s my donation:
peanut butter
cereal puffs
marshmallows
chocolate
macaroni and cheese
jello
great northern beans (dried)
chicken stock
linguine
freezer bags
cling wrap
And I’m going to put it in a reusable grocery bag just in case they need one of those. (I can’t ever remember to use them, LOL!)
OK, found some more stuff. :)
maxi pads
hand sanitizer
hand soap
sunscreen
surface cleanser (like Comet)
OK, one last list from me. :)
diapers
hydrogen peroxide and alcohol (first aid :)
band-aids
My Donation:
2 cans Chicken Noodle Soup
2 cans Tuna
Ranch Dressing
Toasted Sesame Seeds
Crushed Red Pepper
Sunflower Seeds
Worcestershire Sauce
Applesauce
Ketchup
2 cans Pork and Beans
2 cans Pumpkin
1 Jar Mild Pepper Rings
2 Box Cereal
Grahams Crakers
Goldfish Crackers
Cocolate Covered Pretzels
Spaghetti Noodles
Chicken Stock
2 box Hamburger Helper
Salt
Backing Powder
Cookies
Our Donation:
1 container of Baby Wipes
1 box of Reynolds tin foil
1 set of 5 small square Ziploc reusable containers
1 can of Tomato Soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 container Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
1 box of Panko Break crumbs
1 package large marshmallows
Missed the cleaning supplies:
Add 1 Windex Multi-surface spray
pack of 3 Scruber sponges
1 small Dawn dishwashing liquid
1 ALL free-clear laundry soap
1 mesh laundry bag
Packed into another reusuable bag (wonderful idea!)
We are moving and I do have things I’ll gladly donate! Kitchen supplies? small furniture? Pictures for the walls? Let me know what I should drop off even if I haven’t listed it I probably have it!
Bonnie, I’m not sure what they have as far as those needs. I’ll see if I can find out and let you know. I do know that Kitchens By Design is only able to accept smaller donations right now, so we’d have to coordinate that separately. Thanks for your willingness to help!
2 men’s deodorant
2 laundry spray in wash
1 baby lotion
1 microwave popcorn
2 cans spaghetti o’s
1 glade room spray
1 package of size 3 diapers
1 package of size 4 diapers
Man and women razors
2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
2 cans of beef broth
1 hand soap
4 rolls of toilet paper
1 toilet cleaner
Q tips
Conditioner
Glade candle
Panty liners
Always pad
2 hormel beans
Lawry’s marinade
1 baby diaper cream
2 reuse able sacks
You guys are awesome. I am SOOOOOOOOO excited about this!
I would like to contribute diapers. Can you possibly get me a size? she might even prefer a specific brand..
They need size 3 diapers, and aren’t brand-loyal. :) Hope that helps!
go a nice pack of diapers, now need to find time tomorrow to drop them off!
Ok here’s my list :)
2 women’s deoderant
1 dill pickle spears
1 bread and butter pickles
1 Countrytime half and half
1 Cherry pie filling
1 apple pie filling
1 can mandarin oranges
1 can pineapple tidbits
1 can pineapple slices
2 jars Ragu
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
2 cans tomato paste
2 cans refried beans
2 cans pinto beans
2 cans mild enchilada sauce
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 cans diced green chilis
2 boxes Lipton recipe soup mix
2 chicken Stove top
1 dijon mustard
2 packs paper plates
1 pack napkins
1 All free and clear laundry doap
1 purex free laundry tabs
1 febreeze spray
1 Lysol no touch soap dispenser
1 Rosemary & Olive Oil triscuits
1 peanut butter Crackerfuls
1 A1 sauce
1 tabasco sauce
1 Soy sauce
1 Celestial seasonings tea
2 boxes Jolly time microwave popcorn
2 reuseable bags
I have a brand new stroller that I won in a drawing and if they need a stroller I would love to give it to them. It is a tandem stroller. One child sits in front and one can stand in the back so it would be great for an expanding family. It is a full size stroller so they should be aware that it will take some room and muscle to transport it. Will you check with them to see if they would like something like that. Would I take it to the same place?
Linda, what a generous offer – I will check with them and find out. If they could use it, I’ll email you privately to see what would work best to get it to them.
We are cleaning out my mother in law’s home this weekend. Probably will have some unused food items, cleaning supplies etc. I will be there tomorrow, Tuesday July 17 and will post with what we can bring over. Also I have tons of scrapbooking, crafty stuff if that is something they could use. Feel free to email me.
Carrie …. May God richly bless ALL that participate in this “donation drive” …. I have known Becky since she was 4or 5 and her parents are intimate friends of Joe and I. This SOOOOO blesses my heart and I know WITHOUT doubt they will be eternally grateful for any/all donations ! THANK YOU Carrie for heading this up ! May God ABUNDANTLY/RICHLY bless YOU for this ! HUGS !!!!
Oh, how funny – so I guess I have two mutual friends of Byron and Becky! How cool!
Thank you Carrie for coordinating all this! It is a blessing to share what God has given to us through His grace!
We’ll bring:
Baked beans
5 boxes of Jello
A cake mix
Goldfish crackers
Pasta sauce
Vanilla extract
Canned pears
Canned peaches
Bath tissue
2 adult size toothbrushes
Cotton balls
2 packages of baby wipes
And a package of Hershey’s chocolate bars
Blessings to you all!
the basic spices like chili powder, cumin, oregano, basil, etc.
scissors, envelopes, a couple of yellow pads, pens, book of stamps
Thank you for this opportunity.
We have a nearly new microwave that we would like to give to a good home — do you know if this could be a blessing to this family?
I can find out and let you know.
Hey Carrie…can you maybe give an updated list of what is needed? I know that’s asking you to do all the work of reading through all these amazing and GENEROUS people’s posts! But I want to pick up things that are needed.
THANKS! :) This is exciting.
I’m probably not going to get around to listing every single one of the items for a couple of days, but I would suggest more pantry staples like canned tomatoes and beans, toilet paper, trash bags, and paper towels – those haven’t been mentioned too often and you know how those are the types of absolutely necessary things that seem to disappear quickly (at least at my house!). :)
I’m happy to donate but I do have a question: Did this family not have any home owners insurance? The reason I’m asking is because I know a couple of families that lost their homes and they tell me that their insurance company gave them ample money to replace all food and goods lost in the fire. So, they are insistent that they don’t need anything at all since they have a really big insurance check to cover anything and everything. This family you know, they didn’t have insurance? It’s fine if they didn’t, but I’m just curious. I’m really happy to donate to them if that is the case.
Sarah, I’m sure they had homeowner’s insurance, but we’re reaching out to them on the basis that they’ve been devastated and lost nearly every single item they own. I’m not sure if they’ve received any insurance checks yet, but I can’t imagine what it’s like to begin replacing everything you own so I’m happy to contribute even if they might theoretically be getting a check to replace their food.
Hi Sarah, I’m familiar with the family and they were renting the house. They do have renter’s insurance. That money is being used to replace their furniture and some other bigger-ticket items. Thanks to everyone for their help. I know the family appreciates it.
From what I understand, it can take 2 months to get an insurance check when you have a total loss on your home. And with the sheer number of people that lost homes and the insurance companies being inundated, I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes longer than that. Plus, I imagine there are a lot of people that don’t have the money up front to replace what they need right away, even if insurance will reiumburse them later.
Pepper Rings
White Wine Vinegar
Sweet Hot Mustard
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Lasagna Noodles
Yellow Cake Mix
Granola Bars
Butter Crackers
Bread Crumbs
Whole Wheat Flour
Blueberry Muffin Mix
3 Boxes of Gourmet Tea Bags
Various Spice Packet Collections
Otter Pops
Hello, all….i am Becky’s mom. Your generosity is overwhelming and very appreciated. They do have renter’s insurance but it will be years before things will be totally replaced (including memories) and the expense will far exceed their insurance check. As many can attest to who have lost everything, it is more than material goods….it was a home….the grief as been akin to a death which many do not understand. The generosity of the community has helped their hearts to heal besides meeting a need. Becky and Byron will be passing along some of what they get to a co-worker at David C. Cook who had no renter’s insurance and has to start over from scratch himself. Thank you for your kindness.
3 cans tomatoes
3 jars of baby food – oatmeal
box Wheaties
lasagne noodles
box wild rice
baby wipes
Hershey’s choc sauce
box Wheat Thins
3 can cream of mushroom soup
shower soap
teryaki marinade
trail mix bars
brownie mix
I just dropped off my donation and three others of you have already been there! Thank you guys so much – I can’t wait to give this to Byron and Becky!
And thanks to Joy at Kitchens by Design for being a dropoff point – I sooooo appreciate it!
Carrie, my kids are going through their stuff toys can we drop them off there as well? Do they want them? Christina
Hi, Christina! Last I heard they had been overwhelmed with toy donations already. If I hear of someone else who needs them, I will let you know!
2 rolls of paper towels
2 mr. Clean magic eraser
1 package Ziplock steam fresh bags
1 box sandwich Ziploc bags
2 Dial foaming hand soaps
1 Febreeze air freshener
1 box brownie mix
1 bottle ranch dressing
1 bottle BBQ sauce
1 bottle ketchup
1 box taco shells
1 can sweet condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
2 cans dark red kidney beans
2 cans white kidney beans
2 cans garbonzo beans
2 cans white kidney beans
1 package Crystal light
1 tub Cascade action pacs dish detergent
Arbonne shampoo
2 Suave women’s deodorant
2 Aveeno fragrance free baby wash
2 baby toothbrushes
Do they wear contacts? Pets?
They do wear contacts, but I don’t think they have pets.
Carrie, I just have to tell you that I think you’re amazing. I know I’m not your mother or anything, but I’m just so proud of you! You’re using your influence for good! May your children rise up and call you blessed.
I’ll drop off some large packages of toilet paper.
Then I will add on a bottle or two of contact solution
2 boxes Scalloped Potatoes
2 boxes Stovetop
1 White Wine Vinegar
4 containers baby food
2 women’s shaving cream
4 packs dental floss
1 pack women’s razors
1 box of Advil
1 box of Tylenol
1 package cough drops
1 reed diffuser
1 candle
It’s so sweet of everyone being so willing to help! I am so amazed at and appreciative of everyone’s kindness and generosity on here…Beyond helping them with material needs, just showing support to them is HUGE…letting them know they’re not alone and that there is a community behind them…So THANK YOU :)
Rebekah is a dear friend of mine…and yes, they do have a cat…Not sure if he’s any worse for wear, but I’m sure he’s still his naughty self… :)
If anyone is looking for some other ideas to bless this family, I know Rebekah enjoys shopping at Kohl’s and Target, and I’m sure gift cards to those places would be greatly appreciated. Rebekah also had quite the collection of one-of-a-kind teacups that she’s collected over the years…she has a thing for hosting tea parties :) …and of course, all of those have been lost…so if you’re the thrift store/antiquing type and feel like hunting for some pretty tea cup treasures, I’m sure that would be a blessing to her as well.
Jenny I collect tea cups and they have the month on them with flowers I would love to give her one what is her birth month. If I have that one I would love for her to have it.
I just found out for ya – it’s April. :)
Yeah I have April!
Awesome!
Carrie, a military wife moving to Germany gave me boxes of sheets and comforters. I am washing them all now some still have tags on them but had been in storage. twin and queen. Can she use them?
I will find out!
I just heard back – Byron and Becky don’t need them, but he has a coworker who lost his home in the fire and didn’t have renters insurance, so if you’re willing, you could drop off the queen for him and B&B will get it to him.
ok sounds good.
if anyone lives in the centennial & chuckwagon area… I have diapers that i bought.. i cannot get them to the donation site. If anyone can help me out, that would be great. i have kids going in different directions and a migraine to boot!! Please! I’d hate for them to miss out on a package of diapers…
thanks…
I work on Centennal and List. Is there any way you could get them here? If not, I might be able to get to you this afternoon. Are there any roadblocks or can I access your area?
you are amazing!! i think i can survive a short drive… vision clearing up slightly… but this migraine is a doozy…
no roadblocks.. but email me your # and i can call you and arrange to drop them off.
gmk65@comcast.net
thank you soooo much!!
I just sent you an email. Thanks!
I have additional brand new bedding just laundered in king size. Also baby gates. I also have spices, cereal, etc pantry stuff. Can I still donate? Do they need these items? Or can I donate to their friend who had no renters insurance?
Hi, Ceanne! If you still want to drop stuff by Kitchens by Design, you can go ahead and do that. I don’t think they need bedding, but I can find out about baby gates.
We didn’t unload all of the donations when we delivered them on Saturday, but I know that if you have food items to donate, they will definitely be passing on anything that they can’t use to someone else who lost their home.
Do they need a booster seat for eating? My neighbor just gave me theirs which was only used a few times for their grandson, so it is like-new.
Do they have any other baby needs?
Thanks for doing this!
They have a high chair, but I can find out if they need a booster.
Carrie It took me a bit to wash and dry all the sheets that were given to me for the family where can I drop them off now? Their friends could use them? I also have the tea cups as well.
Thanks, Christina
Hi, Christina – you can still drop them off at Kitchens by Design.
Thank You.