HOLLAND, Colo. (KDVR) — Business owners in Holland are feeling the effects of a fire that destroyed a shopping center Thursday. Despite the tragedy, they say they feel love from their community.
Claudia Schaeffler, the mall’s owner and business owner, said she was ready to give it up.
“I can’t do this again, seriously,” Schaeffler said.
Schafler told FOX31 that her clothing store was one of the businesses affected during the fire.
“It just broke my heart. It really happened,” Schaeffler said.
Kay O’Neill was inside her stained glass shop when the fire broke out. She immediately called 911 when she saw flames through her favorite fish glass.
“They’re like, ‘Are you in the building?’ I’m like, ‘Ah, yeah. Get out of there!’ O’Neill said.
While Schaeffler and O’Neill built businesses in the shopping center, Debbie Spoor was preparing to realize her dream. She said she plans to open a hair salon on the property.
“I finally got my login installed and it was installed a week ago,” Spoor said. “I didn’t get that chance.”
Spohr has long connections in the Netherlands, where her great-grandfather was the first mayor of the Netherlands.
“Everyone is so loving and kind and willing to help,” Spohr said.
The community has now come together to offer support Spur, O’Neill and SchoefflerThousands of dollars have already been raised through GoFundMe pages, along with spaces offered for them to work as well.
Spurr, O’Neill and Scheufeleer said they are very grateful for the community behind them especially during this time.
“We’re definitely here for each other, there’s no doubt about that,” Schaeffler said.