How to help those affected by wildfires throughout the Northwest

SPOKANE, Wash. — As fires continue to ravage the Northwest, the need for assistance to both firefighters and evacuees continues to grow.

Many Red Cross locations have been set up to aid evacuees effected by the region’s largest fires. While most Red Cross locations are not accepting donations of items at this time, the organization says the best way to support their efforts is through monetary donations.

These donations can be made by calling 1-800-Red-Cross or online at redcross.org. To ensure you are donating to the Northwest’s local chapter, select the “Your Local Red Cross” option when donating online.

Update: August 20

Patrick Plumb, Mayor of Tonasket says his city does not have the need for physical donations at this time. However, those who would like to donate can donate money to the Tonasket/Okanogan Valley Lions Club Relief Fund. 100% of the proceeds from this fund will go to the short term and long term needs of fire victims.

Plumb did add that the City of Tonasket does need 3 440v 3 phase generators and 3 220v 3 phase generators if the power goes out to keep our water and sewer plant going in case of power loss. Those who have or know of any are asked to call the Okanogan County Emergency Operation Center at 509-422-7348.

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is hosting a supply drive for the pets and people displaced by the Okanogan Complex Fire. The organization will be accepting donations on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. through August 30. Items being collected include dog or cat food, litter boxes, crates, food bowls, toilitries, and new or gently used clothing. Donations can be dropped off at 710 N. Napa in Spokane. 

Beginning Saturday, August 22nd, all Safeway and Albertsons locations in Central Washington will work toghether to help victims of the wildfires burning across the Chelan Valley. Customers can donate to the coin canisters in all Safeway and Albertsons stores in Central Washington. 100% of the donations will go to the Chelan Valley Fire Relief Fund to help support the relief and recovery of those affected by the wildfires.

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The Community Foundation of North Central Washington has set up a Chelan Valley Fire Relief Fund to help support relief and recovery to those affected by the wildfires across the Chelan Valley. These funds will help Chelan area fire victims by providing them with financial assistance and access to resources for long term recover. Donations to this fund can be made online by clicking HERE.

The Chelan Veterinary Hospital recently set up a fund especially for the pets of those displaced by the Reach Complex fire. Those who would like to donate to the Veterinary Hospital’s Good Samaritan Fund can call their offices at 509-682-5812. Credit card, checks and cash payments are all welcome. Checks can also be sent via mail to the following address:

Lake Chelan Veterinary Hospital; ATTN: Reach Fire Fund

PO Box 1238

Chelan, WA 98816

The Kamiah Community Credit has established a fund to assist those affected by fires in the northern Idaho region near Kamiah. The find is called the Kamiah Relief Fund and donation can be dropped off at either the Credit Union’s Kamiah or Kooskia locations. Donations can also be mailed to the following address:

ATTN: Kamiah Relief Fund

PO Box 68

Kamiah, Idaho 83536

Additionally, donations to the Kamiah Relief Fund are being accepted via PayPal. PayPal funds can be directed to the email address, kamiahfirerelief@kamiahccu.org. For Orofino, send funds to the email address, orofinofirerelief@kamiahccu.org.

Officials at the Kamiah Community Credit Union say all proceeds from the Kamiah Relief Fund will be spent locally to help the victims of these fires. Credit Union management and the Board of Directors will determine where these funds best fit.

For those who would like to donate items in lieu of money, The Life Center in Kamiah is facilitating an item drive. The organization’s ‘Kamiah Distributions & Donations’ Facebook page is constantly updated with needed items as well as drop off locations throughout the region. You can find out more about the donations the Life Center is currently in need of HERE.

Members of the Chewelah FFA are planning a Hay and Feed Drive for community members affected by the fires in Stevens County. Donation of both grass and alfalfa hay will be accepted at the Jenkins Middle School parking lot along Highway 395 on Saturday, August 29th. Bags of feed for livestock and pets, as well as monetary donations will also be accepted at this drive. If you or someone you know has lost stored hay in the Stevens County Complex Fires, contact Mrs. Markel at 509-630-1644.

KXLY 4 News will continue to the update this article as the need for donations evolves. Let us know of other fire-related fund raising and donation efforts by emailing steveec@old.kxly.com.