24 August 2015

The Salvation Army is assisting as the fast-moving fires sweep through Washington and Idaho.

The National Interagency Fire Center (www.nifc.gov) reported today that there are currently 18 wildfires impacting more than 270,000 acres in Washington, and none are contained yet. In Idaho, 15 fires have burned 378,000 acres, with one fire contained thus far.

The impact ranges from damaged to destroyed homes and businesses. Many families have evacuated the area, moving to safety and leaving their home behind.

Families impacted by the fires can visit local Salvation Army offices to receive vouchers for the nearby Salvation Army thrift stores. The vouchers can be redeemed for clothing and other needed items.

Wenatchee, WA

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

Lewiston, ID

Salvation Army Social Services Office – for voucher pick up
1220 21st Street, Lewiston, 83501; 208-746-9653

Salvation Army Thrift Store – to redeem vouchers
1806 21st Street, Lewiston, 83501; 208-746-9654

Currently, donors interested in aiding the relief effort are encouraged to give financial donations, which offer great flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.

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:

• Donate Online at www.SalvationArmyNW.org – designate gift for “Northwest Fires”
• Donate By Phone by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY – designate gift for “Northwest Fires”
• Donate By Mail by sending your 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.