When a fire blazed into Colorado Springs, Jennifer Dollman figured she had to do something. She quickly went online and bought three t-shirts, where the profits went to local organizations to help out.
When the site asked if she wanted to donate a shirt to a firefighter, she quickly agreed.
"Why not?" she questioned. "These guys run right in and all they get is a t-shirt. Seriously? It's the least I could do."
She wasn't alone. At least 1,300 Wildfire tees were purchased for firefighters said Tucker Wannamaker, who helps market the shirts. And that's just a small part of the gifts that have been rolling in toward local fire crews after the Waldo Canyon fire.
On Thursday, Dollman and Wannamaker were both at a presentation ceremony at the local firefighter union where the shirts and other gifts were bestowed on firefighters and civilians who helped with the Waldo Canyon fire. They could also pick up gifts of Crocs shoes, energy bars, drinks, and gift certificates for Larkburger and Honey Baked Hams.
Firefighters and civilians who helped with the fire can pick up their gifts from 9-2 Thursday and Friday at the Colorado Springs Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 5 -- 3265 W. Carefree Circle, Building C.
Rudy Ruttinger, second vice president for the union, said the organization decided to help distribute the gifts because there was so much that was donated.
The gifts at the union aren't the only ones being handed out. Several people have also been stopping by stations to thank the firefighters in person.
Firefighter Bruce Longton, who was at the presentation, said people from throughout the city have been coming out to give their thanks. School groups have dropped off cards, people have dropped off baked goods or dinners or have just stopped by to thank them in person and tell their story.
"I don't know if it's more attention than we've every gotten, but folks feel easier these days about stopping in," he said.
Ruttinger said when the gifts first started coming in, firefighters asked that people donate to the victims instead.
"They said they had and they wanted to thank us too," he said.
Now they just try to be gracious when a gift comes their way. There is one downside, he said. A couple of firefighters have put on some pounds from all of the donated pastries.
"We've got to jump on the treadmill to keep up with all of these gifts coming in."
Copyright 2012 - The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colo.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
