April 8, 1996
Web posted at: 3:55 p.m. EDT
From CNN Correspondent Tony Clark
DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- When Denver businesswoman Maryann Chumley found out the Oklahoma City bombing trial was coming to town, her reaction, she said, was, "What can I do to help?"
That sentiment has been echoed throughout Denver, where residents and businesses have opened their doors to victims' families who plan to make the nearly 700-mile journey from Oklahoma City.
More than 1,200 phone calls have poured into the American Red Cross as Denver residents eager to help out have volunteered their support. Some have offered their homes; others have volunteered their cars.
In addition, United Airlines -- the only airline that travels non-stop between Oklahoma City and Denver -- is offering reduced fares. The Denver bus system will provide free passes and some hotels are setting aside free hotel rooms.
Al Hagerty, a volunteer at the Red Cross, says Denver wants to help in anyway possible. (116K AIFF sound or 116K WAV sound)
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"To me, it's just the right thing to do" |
The trial of suspects Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols was moved to Colorado after a judge determined the two could not get a fair trial in Oklahoma. Victims' families still are hoping the judge in the case will allow a closed circuit broadcast that they could view in Oklahoma City, but they aren't counting on it.
Action in Denver begins Tuesday, when McVeigh and Nichols will make their first appearance in a courtroom there for a pre-trial hearing.
As the hearings begin, a variety of programs are ready for the bombing survivors and victims' families.
One is the Colorado/Oklahoma Resource Council, organized by Chuck Green, a columnist for the Denver Post. Green said he initiated the program because, while the bombing suspects' needs are paid for by the federal government, victims' families would have to pay their own expenses. (191K AIFF sound or 191K WAV sound)
Other people, like Lynne and Pat Conroy, called the Red Cross to offer their homes to victims' families.
Lynne Conroy said the support is essential just to let the people of Oklahoma City know they "have a place to come to, that there's a place waiting for you."
"I'm here to help," said another volunteer, Marsha Eck. "... To me, it's just the right thing to do."
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