NEDERLAND, Colo. — Less than 48 hours after a fire destroyed 18 businesses in a Nederland shopping center, the community is stepping up to help each other during this difficult time.

Ross Alper, owner of The Deli at 8236 , has opened his kitchen to help anyone affected by the blaze that hit the Caribou Village Shopping Center early Thursday morning.

Through his nonprofit, Lovin' Cup Community Kitchen , Alper is providing free meals to first responders, business owners and anyone else impacted by the fire. Ross Alper, owner of The Deli at 8236

"We're in this little town by choice, and we're a family up here, and we care about each other," Alper told Denver7.

Alper has operated his deli in Nederland for 18 years and his nonprofit for 13.

What first started as a community soup kit

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