**Community Rally in Woodland Park Raises $45,000 for Local Families in Need**

WOODLAND PARK — A community-wide food drive held Friday outside the Woodland Park Walmart brought together local leaders, first responders, and generous residents in an effort to support struggling families throughout Teller County. Organized by the Teller County Commissioners in partnership with the Teller County Cares Food Initiative, the event collected not only truckloads of food, coats, and baby supplies, but also raised a substantial $45,000 in monetary donations.

The drive, aimed at bolstering local food banks and helping feed approximately 3,000 individuals, saw a strong turnout from both donors and volunteers. Throughout the day, shoppers at Walmart contributed to the cause by purchasing extra groceries and supplies, which were immediately donated at collection stations set up outside the store. The increase in food sales at Walmart reflected the community’s enthusiastic response.

Commissioner Eric Stone noted the overwhelming support, commenting that locals stepped up in a big way to help their neighbors in need.

Among the major contributors were the Teller County Saddle Club, which donated $30,000, and the Community Cares Bible College, which gave $15,000. In addition to monetary gifts, the donations filled multiple trucks and an entire storage room, ensuring that local food banks will be better equipped to meet demand in the coming months.

The event was a collaborative effort, with participation from local officials, first responders, Walmart managers, and volunteers who came together to make the drive a success. Organizers say the community’s response was so strong that plans are already underway for another food drive in the near future.

For now, the donations are being distributed to local food banks, where they will be used to support families facing food insecurity across the region.