Editor’s note: Times like these have the power to define us. Few of us will see the front lines, but many will make a difference in the lives of the firefighters, volunteers and refugees of the Waldo Canyon fire. We tell the stories of the quiet heroes of these fires.

Before the Waldo Canyon Fire hit the area last weekend, single mom Cristyl Wernsman was planning a family vacation: fishing in her hometown of Green Mountain Falls.

Then, the tragic news surfaced.”They were watching the news on TV, and they wanted to help,” says Wernsman, 34, of her sons, Trinton, 11, and Braedon, 8.The family decided to use their vacation money to purchase pet food for area animal shelters and sports drinks for firefighters. Wernsman said that seeing such selflessness in her boys was “one of my proudest moments as a mom.”As a working mother, Wernsman gave up more than just a vacation. She surrendered rare family time with her sons. Nevertheless, she says that helping those in need is worth it.”I don’t get a lot of time with my children. But this is better than a vacation.”Wernsman didn’t stop giving, though. On Monday, she stood outside the Wal-Mart at Palmer Park and Powers Boulevards, and asked shoppers for donations of non-perishable food. Wernsman left the store with 10 carts full of donated items and delivered them to Care and Share.”The manager didn’t hesitate,” Wernsman says. “There was an overwhelming response from the people. It was wonderful.”The satisfaction that comes from giving others hope is all the reward that she and her sons need, she says.”It’s priceless. It makes us feel so good. One person can make a difference. I really believe that.”