Community rushes in to help Harvest Farm

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

At Harvest Farm north of Wellington, where several barns and numerous animals were lost in a fire on Nov. 27, help has been pouring in to feed the animals and rebuild the structures.

Truckloads of hay and other animal feed started arriving at the farm the night of the fire, and a December benefit auction brought in needed funds. Others have donated money and have offered to help when construction begins. The farm serves as a long-term rehabilitation center for men with substance abuse problems.

The Wellington Volunteer Fire Department, which responded to the blaze, determined the fire to be accidental, caused by an unknown ignition source. The fire began in a pile of corncobs and manure.

How the farm will rebuild has yet to be determined, but the design could be influenced by other expansion plans. Kari Buchanan, spokesperson for the Denver Rescue Mission, said there's a capital campaign under way that will allow the program to expand from a capacity of 72 men to close to 100.

In any case, Buchanan said, the new farm buildings will be "bigger, better and more efficient."

MJ Upham of Wellington organized a benefit auction for the farm. Held Dec. 16 at Wellington Auction Service, the event brought in more than $3,300. Upham said she was motivated to hold the auction because Harvest Farm "offers a great community service for the whole Front Range." Many Wellington-area businesses donated goods and services for the auction, and the auction service owners donated their time and facility as well.

"We're extremely thankful" for all the help, said Buchanan. "We never had anyone do an auction for us before."

The farm buildings were covered by insurance, but the Denver Rescue Mission does not yet have a complete tally of damages or information on how much of the loss will be covered. About $20,000 in animal feed was lost, Buchanan said.

Hank Miller of Wellington is one of those who wants to help rebuild when the time comes. His business, Miller & Sons Construction, has offered free labor for all roofing needed on the new buildings.

Anyone interested in helping Harvest Farm financially may send donations to the Denver Rescue Mission, 3501 E. 46th Ave., Denver, CO 80216. Donors may be eligible for a tax credit, since Harvest Farm is part of an Enterprise Zone.