EPSO, Shield 616 collecting donations for Harvey first responders

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Foundation and Shield 616 are teaming to collect items for first responders helping with rescue efforts in wake of Hurricane Harvey.

On Thursday morning, donations were collected at Cole's Gourmet Popcorn and the first load was hauled off to Houston. More donations can still be dropped off through 1 p.m. Friday at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church on N. Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs.

Shield 616 says the following items are most needed: Undershirts, underwear, socks, coolers, air mattresses, non-perishable food, drinks, headlamps, air mattresses, sleeping bags and toiletries.

"We're going to be down there Friday, Saturday and Sunday," said the founder of Shield 616, Jake Skifstad. "We're going to be giving them the supplies that they need. We are also going to be cooking for them. It's a holiday weekend and we heard that they only have two days at food planned for the officers, and so we are going to be cooking for them and just trying to be a little bit of light for those guys that are just really struggling."

Monetary donations are also welcome through Shield 616. You can donate online by clicking

"These officers, they continue to protect and serve the community, even knowing that potentially their homes are completely lost," Skifstad said. "Who knows what is going on with their families, who knows where their families are ... If we can just provide basic necessities, but also just support them and encourage them, let them know we are behind them -- it's huge."

"It seriously gives me chills," said El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder. "It is amazing to me that our community always steps up and that law enforcement and public safety looks after one another ... This proves that Colorado Springs, that El Paso County is a giving community. I'm thrilled that we've got this response."

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