"There is a need," Karyn Abramo said. "You have to be able to fill the need.
Abramo is one of hundreds who dropped off food, drinks and supplies at Southern Colorado's Care and Share food shelf.
"We've seen this huge outpouring," said Lynne Telford with Care and Share. "We have about 600,000 pounds that have been donated to us in this week."
From carloads of Gatorade to truckloads of snacks, the donations go to help those who have been displaced, as well as the firefighters.
"It doesn't take a lot," Abramo smiled. "You don't have to bring a lot of stuff. You have to have an open heart, willing to meet a need."
Across town, needs are being met at the newly formed Waldo Canyon Fire Disaster Recovery Center, where evacuees have access to the internet. Those who have lost their homes have access to crisis counselors. Coordinators hope it serves as a one stop shop for those who need it.
"I can tell you that we've seen 400 people so far on this first day," El Paso County's Dave Rose said.
Organizers say it will remain open as long as people use it.
As for the fire, crews are working 16 hour days.
Signs of thanks are all over town and illustrate just how much their efforts mean to the locals.
Friday night people lined the streets, clapping and cheering as fire crews returned after a long day of work.
"And that meant a lot to everyone," said Waldo Canyon Fire official Norm Rooker. "They busted their butt Tuesday."
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)