• Lora Marini Baker

The Salvation Army Responds to Fires in WA, ID, MT -- UPDATED

September 1, 2015 (SEATTLE) – The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Response Team continues working throughout the Northwest, aiding victims of the many wildfires. Below is a state-by-state synopsis of our work in each area.

Washington
• Currently 920,000 acres burning throughout entire state (source: The National Interagency Fire Center, www.nifc.gov).
• Impacted families can visit The Salvation Army social services office for gas cards and thrift store vouchers. Address is 1205 S. Columbia Street, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-8864.
• A chaplain is available for emotional support during this stressful time.
• The Salvation Army is working with local agencies to begin long-term recovery plans. This collaborative effort will simply the process for the families needing assistance, and ensure non-duplication of efforts.

Northern Idaho
• Currently 329,000 acres burning throughout entire state (source: The National Interagency Fire Center, www.nifc.gov).
• Impacted families can visit The Salvation Army social services office for thrift store vouchers. Address is 1220 21st Street, Lewiston, 83501; 208-746-9653.
• A chaplain is available for emotional support during this stressful time.
• The Salvation Army is working with local agencies to begin long-term recovery plans. This collaborative effort will simply the process for the families needing assistance, and ensure non-duplication of efforts.

Western Montana
• Currently 121,000 acres burning throughout entire state (source: The National Interagency Fire Center, www.nifc.gov).
• Salvation Army mobile feeding unit (“canteen”) is deployed to Browning, serving three meals a day to 150 people.

How the Public Can Help

The Salvation Army is committed to serving those in need, at the time of need, in the place of need. All Salvation Army disaster services are free and funded entirely through the generosity of donors. There are three ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts:

1. On-line at: www.SalvationArmyNW.org – designate gift for “Northwest Fires”
2. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY – designate gift for “Northwest Fires”
3. By mail: Send a check, marked “Northwest Fires” to:
The Salvation Army
Northwest Divisional Headquarters
P. O. Box 9219
Seattle, WA 98109

At this time, The Salvation Army is not requesting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in the Northwest. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally, for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for donors to help disaster victims is to make a cash donation.

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