Yuma, Arizona (AZFamily) — A Southern Arizona woman is thanking community members after a fire broke out at Extended Hands Thrift Store in Yuma last weekend.

The fire was caught on security cameras, which showed the backyard of the thrift store completely engulfed in flames. Luckily, firefighters were able to put out the blaze before it spread to the main store. However, the fire destroyed all the donated items stored in the warehouse.

“They looked around the yard and said all their stock is gone, there's nothing left, everything is smoke damaged,” store owner Shelley Whitworth said.

Whitworth opened the store more than 10 years ago to support veterans, those less fortunate and active-duty military personnel.

Whitworth said their most important mission is supporting active duty military members and their families.

Each year, a dinner is held that provides free bikes and thrift store coupons for children of military families.

The dinner was in jeopardy when a fire destroyed all of the donated bikes, but now the community is stepping up to keep the tradition going. In total, more than a dozen bikes were donated.

“We know how happy and excited the kids are when they receive their bikes,” she said. “Thanks to the community's efforts, we've almost doubled that number.”

Shelley hopes to reopen by September, but until then she's grateful to local residents for their support.

“It's amazing. We love you all, we love serving you, and we're so grateful that you all love us now,” she said.

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