Sidney reaches out to Colorado fire victims

Friday, Sidney High School students will be helping with fire relief efforts in Haxtun, Colorado.

A state of emergency was declared in Logan County after a brush fire destroyed more than 30,000 acres this week.

SHS students will visit businesses from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to clean away trash in exchange for a donation to Haxtun's fire relief fund.

"Students have specific areas already set up that they will be working to pick up the trash, and may be open to other business who may be interested in giving a donation to the cause," Shelby Price, SHS attendance secretary, said. "We'll fit in as many businesses as we can."

The students already have a client in the City of Sidney, Price said.

Donations of goods can also be taken to SHS on Monday.

The school and its students were inspired to act following the tremendous loss experienced by Logan County residents, Price said.

"Just thinking about the number of people who have lost homes, their land, their cattle and livestock, and their struggle," she said. "And, it's teaching kids to give back to help others, and instead of just asking for donations to give of their time and talent."

Adams Industries is also collecting goods to help the people of Haxtun.

A deadline is set for Friday, with items to be delivered Saturday.

They are looking for the following:

Clothing: Mens 2XL shirts, 36x36 jeans/pants, size 10.5 boots/shoes; Womens 22+ jeans/pants, XL/2XL shirts, size 11 shoes; Kids clothing, as well as socks, undergarments, hoodies/jackets and pajamas.

Kitchen items: Dishes; cooking and eating utensils; pots/pans, cookie sheets, baking dishes, mixing bowls; small appliances, including coffee pot, toaster, hand mixer; and general supplies

Personal hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes

Livestock: feed, fencing supplies, hand tools, general items

Also, work gloves, bath items, gifts cards and kids items and toys would be appreciated.

Monetary donations can be given to the Haxtun Fire Relief fund established at Haxtun Community Federal Credit Union by the Haxtun Chamber of Commerce.

Kristin Hadeen, Haxtun Federal Credit Union president, said donations are badly needed.

"We're kind of trying trying to figure out everything that's happening," Hadeen said. "We don't have a dollar amount on anything that's needed, but I know with all the homes and structures that were lost, and all of the livestock that was lost, and our volunteer fire department trying to replenish everything, there's a great need for some funds."

She added, "You can specify a family, you can specify agriculture, and you can specify agencies."

Make checks payable to Haxtun Chamber of Commerce, with "Fire Relief" in the memo. Send checks to Haxtun Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 41, Haxtun, Colorado, 80731.