Durango residents affected by the recent flooding now have a dedicated location to receive free household essentials and recovery supplies, according to the City of Durango. The Durango Food Bank, in partnership with La Plata County, opened a Flood Relief Donation and Distribution Center at 800 S. Camino del Rio, Unit G10, inside the Durango Mall next to the former JCPenney.
The center will accept donation drop‑offs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, beginning Nov. 11 and running through Nov. 21. Organizers are requesting clean, new, or like‑new items that are ready for immediate use. Most‑needed supplies include recovery tools such as shovels, rakes, wet/dry vacuums, fans, and tarps; cleaning supplies, buckets, and trash bags; sealed hygiene and personal‑care products, toilet paper, and paper towels; diapers, wipes, and feminine‑care items; new socks, underwear, clothing, bedding, and linens; flashlights, batteries, and other household basics; and gift cards for gas, groceries, dining, and home‑improvement stores.
In addition to material donations, the Food Bank is seeking community volunteers to help unload contributions, sort and stock inventory, check in families, and assist neighbors in selecting the items they need. Volunteers can sign up through the Food Bank’s website at www.durangoareafoodbank.org or contact the city’s public information office.
City Public Information Officer Tom Sluis emphasized that the center aims to streamline relief efforts for families still recovering from flood damage, noting that “providing immediate, essential items helps residents get back on their feet faster and reduces the long‑term impact on our community.” The partnership with La Plata County allows the Food Bank to coordinate distribution with county emergency services, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.
Residents are encouraged to review the current list of donation needs, confirm operating hours, or volunteer by visiting the Food Bank’s website. The city also invites community members to share comments or suggestions through the “Engage” webpage linked in the original alert.
What’s next: The donation and distribution center will remain open through Nov. 21. After that date, the Food Bank plans to assess remaining needs and may extend hours or open additional sites if demand persists. Volunteers and donors are urged to act promptly, as supplies are limited and the window for drop‑offs is short. For further information, contact Tom Sluis at (970) 375‑5090 or via email at [email protected].
Sources: durangoco.gov
