Sock it to 'em

Sure, signs, Facebook posts and home-made cookies are a nice way to show appreciation to the firefighters who battled not just the flames, but extremely hot and dry conditions, during the Lightner Creek Fire. But when it comes to saying “thank you” to those on the front lines, perhaps there’s no better way than with a sturdy, comfy pair of new Smart-wools. Throw in some protein bars and a bandana and you have the ultimate firefighter field survival kit, aka “ready pack.”

Starting this week, Season’s Grill and Alpine Bank are teaming up on a “Ready Pack” drive, whereby grateful locals can drop off needed supplies at either business. The drive was the idea of Season’s owner, Karen Barger, who’s husband, Wayne, sits on the Durango Fire & Rescue board.

“We wanted to do something to let our fire-fighters know how much we appreciate them,” Karen said. “We inquired to find out what those who are on the front lines can really use and need, and the answer was ‘ready packs.’”

Donated socks, bars and bandanas can be dropped off at Seasons (764 Main Ave.) or Alpine Bank (1099 Main Ave.) during regular business hours. Donations will also be collected at the Alpine Bank/Community Concert Hall “Concerts@The Park” the evenings of Thurs., July 6 and July 13 at Buckley Park.

“Once we gather what we hope ends up as a ton of donations, our restaurant and bank employees will assemble the Ready Packs for distribution,” said Barger. “We hope we can deliver a trailer full so they’ll always have fresh socks and bandanas and can keep their energy up working in those sweltering conditions.”

Bandanas should be all-cotton, and preferred socks are new, high-quality, over-the-calf wool socks from Fits, Smartwool, Thorlo, Keen or the like.

Alpine Bank is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.- Thur.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.; and 9 a.m.-noon Sat. Donations at Seasons can be made 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 4 -10 p.m. Sat. and Sun.