KAMIAH, Idaho—Kamiah Community Credit Union here is offering to double any cash contributions made to a relief fund for the victims of wildfires in the area.
The credit union has pledged up to $100,000 in the matching funds to help those whose lives have been effected, often deeply, by the Cape Horn Fire in north Idaho, which has destroyed 65 houses.
In addition to cash, efforts are underway to also gather items the fire victims “desperately need,” according to local media, including diapers, baby wipes, formula, bottles, clothes and shoes; hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, feminine items, towels, washcloths, contact solution, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, laundry soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste; clothes and shoes of all sizes; and school supplies, canned food, cereal, paper plates, utensils, five-gallon buckets, dog and cat food, shovels, rakes and gloves and anything else you can spare.
At last count there were 17 fires burning in Idaho.
Meanwhile, the Northwest Credit Union Foundation has created an emergency fund to assist victims of wildfires in Oregon and Washington. It is joining with the National Credit Union Foundation and local Red Cross organizations to raise the relief funds.
The NWCUF reported it has seeded the emergency fund and is now calling for donations to assist victims of the Chelan Wildfire burning in Central Washington, and the Canyon Creek Complex Fire that has destroyed more than 48,000 acres near John Day, Ore. Donors will have the option of directing their donation to those specific areas if they choose; in addition, there is a general fund established to support all wildfire victims in Oregon and Washington.
“The fires burning in Oregon and Washington have affected thousands of lives. Countless families have lost their homes,” said Northwest Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Denise Gabel. “Whether the victims are credit union members or not, we feel it’s our duty to help these families rebuild. By pulling together we can truly make a difference for those hurting in our community.”
The National Credit Union Foundation typically manages disaster relief fundraising for the credit union system, and in this case, is working with the Northwest Credit Union Foundation to assist in fundraising.
“We encourage the credit union community to donate, to help people affected by these devastating wildfires,” said Christopher Morris, director of communications at the National Credit Union Foundation. “There is a critical need for funds in the area and contributing to help our brothers and sisters through this difficult time is a great example of the credit union movement’s ‘people helping people’ philosophy.”
A web page to receive donations has been established. Those who wish to donate are asked to visit here.
As CUToday.info reported here, some credit unions are already offering everything from emergency loans to toothpaste to those affected.