(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — United Way of Southern Colorado’s wildfire relief fund has raised more than $470,000 amid the Aspen Acres Fire. The nonprofit aims to collect $10 million to address the extensive impact of the ongoing wildfire, which started on Monday, June 29, in Pueblo and Custer counties.

As FOX21’s Chief Photojournalist, Dez Rowe found out, this mission is deeply personal for the President and CEO of United Way of Southern Colorado, Shanna Farmer, who experienced a devastating house fire in her past.

“September 15th of 1995,” Farmer recounted, “I left for school that day and had no idea that that day would be the last time we were able to call our home, our home.”

The electrical fire caused Farmer and her family to lose everything. “We literally walked out with the clothes on our backs that day.”

She said on that tragic day, her family also lost two of their cats, saying she was grateful for the support following the fire. “I do remember the joy of being able to walk around and get a few things that I needed and that I could pick out.”

Farmer said that she understands the importance of donations for those who have lost so much, and to help those impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire, the United Way of Southern Colorado has organized several ways for the community to donate.