• Lora Marini Baker

The Salvation Army Responds to Fires in Washington -- UPDATED

AUGUST 24, 2015 (SEATTLE) – The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Response Team worked through the weekend, assisting families impacted by the wildfires.  As of today, there are 12 fires burning 680,000 acres in Washington (source: The National Interagency Fire Center, www.nifc.gov).

Current Feeding Programs

In Brewster, WA, The Salvation Army coordinated and served three meals each day, averaging about 400 people per day. Snacks and beverages were also provided throughout the day. Numbers of guests were higher than expected, due to the evacuation of the city of Tonasket, WA. These meals will continue into this week, at a minimum.

In Omak, WA, The Salvation Army will begin coordinating and serving three meals a day to the Military Police who were recently deployed to assist in the area.

Ongoing Support to Families

Families impacted by the fires can visit local Salvation Army offices for support, including gas cards and vouchers for the nearby Salvation Army thrift store. The vouchers can be redeemed for clothing and other needed items.
Salvation Army social services office – for voucher and Safeway gas card pick up
• 1205 S. Columbia Street, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-8864
Salvation Army thrift store – to redeem vouchers
• 1219 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-5103

A chaplain is available to support families who are suffering. During this stressful time, a quiet conversation with a friendly listener can be a valuable resource.

 

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.