COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Popular sports retailer SCHEELS has announced the winners of the first annual $ 40,000 donation campaign for 2021. More than 4,500 nominations from community members have been received in Colorado Springs.

According to the Colorado Springs SCHEELS press release, the first annual fundraising campaign saw six nonprofits win $ 5,000 and one nonprofit win $ 10,000.

“Giving back is what we do at SCHEELS. Whether it’s volunteering our time or our resources, we love to connect with our community and support it in any way we can, ”said Cory Tweden, Colorado Springs SCHEELS Store Manager. “Receiving over 4,500 nominations from members of our community is mind-blowing. Choosing the winners has been extremely difficult due to all the amazing groups that have been nominated, but being able to donate to these seven deserving nonprofits is such an honor. We couldn’t be more excited to make these donations on Colorado Gives Day and look forward to the many donations to come.

As of March 2021, the 220,000 square foot SCHEELS store in Colorado Springs has enabled people to purchase hiking, fishing and hunting supplies. In addition, the store includes a 16,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and a 65 foot Ferris wheel.

Colorado Springs SCHEELS Giving Campaign Winners:

• $ 10,000 awarded for search and rescue in El Paso County
• $ 5,000 donated to Hometown Hero Outdoors
• $ 5,000 donated to Angels of America’s Fallen
• $ 5,000 donated to Safe Passages
• $ 5,000 donated to The Place
• $ 5,000 donated to De la Montagne et des Hommes
• $ 5,000 donated to the Coalition of Trails and Open Spaces