Colorado Springs couple helps with clean up in West Maui

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Trevor and Tarah Dierdorff have traveled to the historic town of Lahaina for the past 20 years. This year, instead of a typical vacation, they decided to help those who call the island home. 

"My wife and I had a trip to Maui scheduled before the fires happened. We considered canceling, but really decided it was an opportunity to serve and we elected to serve and see what we could do to help out there," Trevor said.

The August fire displaced thousands, destroying a vibrant community of homes, businesses, and cultural touchstones.

Trevor and his wife volunteered with Samaritans Purse after the Black Forest Fire in Colorado Springs. They found the same organization in Hawaii, along with the Rotary Club.

Trevor said they spent a portion of their trip at the community hub collecting donations, separating snacks, canned goods, and baby products among other items to then be handed out to those in need.

Items were given out to people who lost their homes as well as their jobs from the fire.

Trevor said this trip was unlike any other he had ever been on.

Mayor Richard Bissen said all of West Maui, except for burned-out sections of historic Lahaina, will reopen to tourism on November 1st.