Niwot Community Association offers Marshall Fire aid

Niwot Community Association board members agreed at the Jan. 5 meeting that the organization wanted to help Marshall Fire victims that have found shelter in Niwot.

Board members Pat Murphy and Mark Brigham, both real estate agents, said several fire victims are being hosted in Niwot and the area, with some needing “just about everything,” according to Murphy. “And I know we will have more displaced families coming soon,” added Brigham.

Board members discussed at length how they wanted to help the fire victims. Board member Craig Rahenkamp pointed out that the Disaster Assistance Center, 1755 South Public Road in Lafayette, can connect fire victims to housing, FEMA, financial assistance, Boulder County help and charities, some food and mental health services. “There are also rooms and rooms of clothing and household goods already collected,” he said. “Plus several million dollars have been raised, which will help long-term.”

But the biggest need, Rahenkamp said, seems to be immediate personal needs and restaurant gift cards. “People may have found a hotel room to stay in, but they can’t cook there. And personal items are always needed,” he added.

NCA board members voted unanimously to authorize purchasing about $500 in gift cards for fire victims who have temporarily relocated to Niwot. The gift cards will be split 50/50 between area locally-owned restaurants and retail.

The board also agreed to be a conduit for NCA and community members wishing to donate gift cards or cash to Marshall Fire victims in Niwot. One hundred percent of all donations will go to victims of the Marshall Fire, NCA President David Limbach emphasized at the meeting. NCA members were sent an email about the plans on Jan. 6.

Gift cards and cash can be donated to the effort by going to the niwot.org web address and following the Marshall Fire donation instructions. Checks and gift cards can also be mailed to P.O. Box 72, Niwot, CO 80544, or a pick-up can be arranged by emailing donate@niwot.org.

Policy update

The NCA’s ability to respond quickly to local needs concerned several board members during the meeting.

“We lost the ability to take part in campaigns with matching funds because we couldn’t move quickly to donate,” said Brigham. “Perhaps we should take a look at devising a way for the board to decide more quickly.”

NCA Board members agreed and will discuss a proposal at the Feb. 2 meeting.

In other business, the NCA will hold its annual meeting of members on April 19 at the Left Hand Grange in Niwot.