The Elk Fire is creating significant impacts on Lake City’s tourism-based economy. Because this is happening during some of the busiest weeks of the year, the reduction in visitors is affecting local residents, employees and businesses throughout our community.

For those who have asked how they can help, there are now two different ways to support Lake City.

Donate to the Emergency Aid Fund

The Lake Fork Community Foundation has established an Emergency Aid Fund for individuals and businesses impacted by the Elk Fire.

Donations to the fund are tax-deductible. Funds will be distributed through Community Christian Services and the Lake City DIRT Main Street program.

Additional information about how individuals and Lake City businesses can apply for assistance will be provided soon.

To donate:

Visit www.lakeforkcf.org

Select Donate

Choose Emergency Aid Fund from the dropdown menu.

This option provides broader assistance to members of the community experiencing financial impacts from the fire.

Purchase Gift Certificates from Lake City Businesses

For those who would like to support specific local businesses, the Lake City/Hinsdale County Chamber of Commerce has created a gift certificate purchasing service.

Choose the total amount you would like to spend and tell us which business or businesses you would like to support. The Chamber will purchase the requested gift certificates directly from those businesses and mail them to you or your designated recipient.

You may support one business or divide your purchase among several, with a minimum purchase of $25 per business.

Visit Purchase Lake City Business Gift Certificates.

This is not a donation. It is a direct purchase that supports local businesses now, while allowing you to use the gift certificate during a future visit or give it as a gift.

Gift certificates are issued by and redeemable through the individual businesses. Not all businesses offer gift certificates. If a selected business cannot provide one, Chamber staff will contact the purchaser to choose another business or receive a refund for that portion of the order. Availability and redemption terms are determined by each business.

Availability and redemption terms are determined by each business. A $5 standard mailing fee and applicable credit-card processing fee will be added at checkout.

Choose the Option That Works Best for You

The Emergency Aid Fund and the Chamber’s gift certificate program serve different purposes.

The Emergency Aid Fund provides tax-deductible assistance for individuals and businesses based on community needs.

The gift certificate program allows purchasers to direct their support to specific Lake City businesses.

Whether you choose to donate, purchase gift certificates or share these resources with others, your support helps our neighbors, workforce and business community navigate this difficult time.