GALLATIN VALLEY — Labor Day is a day for so many people to take off of work and rest. But after a fire devastated the Bozeman community, these people went into action despite the holiday.
“There are a lot of people up in the canyon that are risking their lives and trying to do everything they can for the fire, so this was a very very small way for us to chip in. So, happy to be here and happy to help,” said volunteer Max Littlefield.
Max was one of the dozens of volunteers who spent his Labor Day organizing and hauling thousands of items donated, which has turned into a community effort.
“Home Depot donated us a pallet of water, Walmart donated us a pallet of water. Murdoch’s is donating us space. Town and Country came in and put ice on drinks for all of our volunteers here. Just so many different places,” explained Rick Larson with the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army is one of several relief efforts. The Bridger Foothill Fire Relief Fund is also a community effort by several organizations in the Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disasters.
“That meant that we needed to get our relief fund open for this fire response and effort to support those directly impacted by the fire and all the agencies supporting people who are experiencing evacuations and possible loss of their homes,” said Danica Jamison, the CEO of the United Way.
The fund allows for specific needs to be met in addition to the supplies already donated. But there’s also a physical need for volunteers.
“People with strong backs willing to unload pallets of Gatorade and water and food for firefighters, delivery for meals to evacuees, it’s bringing resources like clothes and other supplies,” Jamison said.
There has been an overflow of donations, and the thing most needed right now is monetary donations.
