LOUISVILLE, Colo. Mudrock’s Tap and Tavern Louisville isn’t just a place to grab a bite to eat or watch a big rivalry game, it’s a place that holds the community close to its heart.

during Marshall FireThis restaurant has become a place where people can meet or go to find urgent needs.

“A lot of people at that point didn’t have clothes on their backs, and so we set up a donation center here, and then as things progressed and a lot of people got involved, they realized they didn’t need all that stuff right away anymore,” said owner Mark Karpowich. Mudrock’s Tap and Tavern.

As time went on, Karpowich realized that people no longer needed these items, but instead began to process the reality of what they had lost in the fire.

Maggy Wolanske

“We realized that some people were losing some things that were completely irreplaceable, like veterans’ memorial flags that the military provided to the families of missing soldiers,” Karpowich said. he said.

To help these families find comfort and preserve the memory of their loved ones, the restaurant donated folded flags to those in the community who no longer have this important keepsake.

“Here in Louisville, she was truly a woman who lost everything; she was in her 90s and had lost her husband in Korea and her son in Vietnam,” Karpowich said. he explained. “So, to be able to present two flags that were folded into it, even though it wasn’t the same flag, was very touching and striking for all of us here. It’s something you’ll never forget for as long as you live.”

Maggy Wolanske

Following the recent hurricanes in Florida, the restaurant continues such actions by sending folded flags to the families of deceased veterans.

“We went and ordered as much as we could afford and then started the fundraiser to cover some of the costs. And people really want to be a part of something like this,” Karpowich said.

Maggy Wolanske

The folded flags are being packaged and shipped to Florida along with other supplies donated by local organizations to support hurricane victims.

“I think to be able to help Americans when they’ve lost so much, some people might think it’s a snowflake in a blizzard, but you never know who it’s going to help,” said Nancy Thompson, who helped organize the supplies. “You never know who might be waiting for clean water to take medicine, or kids needing diapers or bleach for the mold that will come after all that water damage.”

at Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern fundraising page Sending more flags to help families affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Even if states away, the actions of Coloradans and businesses like this are a reminder of how far simple acts of kindness can go.

“It’s extremely rewarding. People can really lose hope and you may even remember looking at a pile of rubble that used to be your home, which doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world,” Karpowich said. “You can still rebuild, and that’s just a proposition of hope because I know that may seem hopeless to people, but it’s not.”