Driven by 100-mph winds, a devastating wildfire swept through Boulder County, Colo., northwest of Denver, late last week, burning more than 6,000 acres and close to 1,000 homes. As of Saturday night, three people were reported missing and the fire was 62% contained, per KDVR.
The Read Queen Bookstore and Cafe, a new and used bookstore in Lafayette, Colo., that opened its doors in 2020, was unharmed, but the store closed early on December 30 to allow staff members to pack evacuation bags if needed. All staff members are safe, and the store is helping a kids' lit book drive organized by writer Malia Maunakea and her son's Boy Scout troop.
Customers and community members looking to contribute can purchase children's and YA books through the store and ask that they be held for Maunakea. The Boy Scout troop, Louisville Troop 69, will then collect the books and deliver them to impacted families in the area.
The FlatIron Crossing shopping center in Bloomfield, Colo., which contains an Amazon Store and a 2nd & Charles store, was temporarily closed because of the fire but has since reopened.
Tattered Cover Book Store, well out of harm's way in Denver, wrote on Facebook that the team's hearts "are once again broken as we look on helplessly at the homes of our loved ones, co-workers, friends, and families burn in the Marshall fire," and shared a list of resources explaining how to help those affected by the fire.