When it comes time to help, Haxtun residents never fail to do so and when the recent pandemic occurred and the call went out to help those affected most, that’s exactly what happened.

Many local businesses were forced to shut their doors for the past several months in order to comply with orders from Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis. The closure not only affected the businesses that were forced to close, but also the employees who work there.

The Haxtun Chamber of Commerce, along with several other individuals, formed a fund titled Help Haxtun and put out the call for help. The fund, established at Points West Community Bank of Haxtun, gives individuals and groups the opportunity to donate money with the intent to help out those affected most by the COVID-19 situation.

As of Friday, May 29, Help Haxtun Committee Member Ross Edwards said the fund has grown to $19,300. The first distribution of funds was given on April 24 at which time $10,000 was distributed to businesses and employees.

“Our goal is to keep the account open until the end of June and make our final distribution at the end of June,” Edwards said.

Thus far, donated funds have helped 10 businesses that were forced to shut down by the government. Those 10 businesses employed 12 full-time employees and 16 part-time employees.

“Another note,” Edwards added, “is that half of the proceeds raised went to the businesses themselves and the other half of the proceeds directly went to the employees.”

More about Help Haxtun

Help Haxtun is strictly a gift program so there are no tax penalties for those who receive or give to the fund. It is a gift that will be given to those who need it most.

Funds may be given at Points West Community Bank in Haxtun, mailed to P.O. Box 8, Haxtun, CO 80731, placed in the night-deposit box or delivered through the drive-up window at the bank.

The intent of the Help Haxtun fund is to provide a way for residents who haven’t been hit as hard or whose businesses may not have suffered as much, to contribute to those who have been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on Help Haxtun efforts contact Haxtun Chamber of Commerce Director Jenn Oberle at (970) 467-0194.