Community raises over $12,000 to help replace Pueblo man’s garage, classic cars destroyed in a fire

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Pueblo man spent his life collecting and restoring classic cars, until a garage fire destroyed several of them on Wednesday. The community has since rallied behind him, raising over $12,000 in just two days.

"We were coming down and we see this massive fire and we're like, Oh my God, this is probably one of our neighbor's houses burning. We've got to see what's going on and try to help them out," classic car collector Mack Torrez said.

It didn't take long for Torrez to realize it was his prized garage up in flames on Wednesday night.

"I had classic cars that were in there that I would work on from the ground up."

His wife Denise Torrez said Mack spent his entire life collecting and restoring these cars, which hold a lot of family history, especially the family's '69 Chevy Impala.

"That purple car in particular, the legacy of that, he picked me up on our first date in that car," Torrez said, "We've been married for 30 years."

Taciana Torrez and her brother Macario spoke about the memories they shared in each of the cars and said they wanted to help their father recover what was lost.

"I especially look forward to the time I spend in the garage with my dad, even if it's just little stuff," Macario said, "If we're just changing oils or doing maintenance on cars."

Together with their sister in California, the siblings created a Go Fund Me, which raised over $12,000 in two days.

"I think that's what is so special about the lowrider community, is that it's all about helping others, always," Taciana said, "People from California and Texas and New Mexico have all reached out."

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, Mack said he's grateful for the support.   

"It means a lot to me because it shows how much people care about other people."

If you'd like to donate to the Torrez family's Go Fund Me, visit their website.