Spokane Area Community Partners Join Forces to Support Red Cross Wildfire Response

Wenatchee, WA, 10:30a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015

Thanks to the generosity of the Greater Spokane community, KXLY4 television, and the Spokane Federal Credit Union, a total of over $10,000 was raised for the Red Cross Washington Wildfires relief fund on Thursday, September 3, 2015, during an all-day telethon on KXLY4.

Alyssa Ando, a Greater Inland Northwest Chapter Red Cross board member, said “The response to our fundraising appeal was tremendous. Donations are used to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters. This assistance includes food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, and help with recovery.
“Red Cross case workers are now meeting with people affected by the wildfires to create plans for their future, navigate paperwork and locate help from other agencies. We also work closely with state and local officials and local nonprofit organizations to determine the best way we can support the communities right now and in the months to come,” Ando said. “While the more visible activities of the Red Cross response may decrease, be assured that the Red Cross will continue to offer help to those affected by the wildfires. The Red Cross isn’t going away – we will be here for those who need assistance.”

Anyone impacted by the fires and needing assistance can connect with a Red Cross caseworker. For Ferry and Stevens counties, call 509-496-3448. For Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan counties, call 509-670-5331. A caseworker is available to take calls from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. After hours, leave a message and a caseworker will return your call the next morning, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. For updated information, see: http://www.redcross.org/northwestwildfireinformation.
“People need your help now. You can help people affected by disasters like this by making a donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation,” Ando said.

Anyone affected by wildfires and in need of help should call:
•Central WA/Chelan area: 509-670-5331 (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan Counties) or 1-800-REDCROSS
•Eastern WA/Spokane area: 509-496-3448 (Ferry and Stevens Counties) or 1-800-REDCROSS
For other, non wildfire related Red Cross inquiries please call the local Red Cross office:
•Wenatchee office: 509-663-3907 or 1-800-REDCROSS
•Spokane office: 509-326-3330 or 1-800-REDCROSS