RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) -Efforts are underway to rebuild the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center after a fire damaged the building April 10.

The Student Experiential Learning building serves as the main hub on campus, housing the school, student housing and kitchen. Students wake up, eat meals, attend classes and sleep in the building.

Executive Director Henry Red Cloud said the fire appears to have started after his grandson lit a fire in a wood stove and an accidental spark hit a kindling box.

“Then all of a sudden they smelt smoke, and turned to peek out of the room, and saw that there was smoke everywhere, and Jaicyn stayed back up in there, thinking that he can fill up a mop bucket, and we have a mop bucket in each bathroom up there, and he turned on the shower, and he wanted to fight the fire, but it was too much,” Red Cloud said.

The center is seeking community help to replace items lost in the fire.

“Anything that has to do with a classroom, a pencil sharpener, pencils, paper, notebooks, anything that can be supported there within the classroom area.” said Red Cloud

A fundraiser was launched with a goal of raising $60,000. As of Friday afternoon, supporters had contributed around $10,000.

Red Cloud said he hopes to restore the building so students can return.

To donate money to Red Cloud click here.

For more information on what items you can donate click here.

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