Updated, 8/16 at 8AM: Added new info at bottom of page with directions on how to donate monetarily. Encompass will ensure your checks get to the right place.
This was released around 3PM from Encompass regarding collection of needed donations for the Cle Elum fire evacuees. This is a very coordinated effort.
Governor Chris Gregoire has declared state of emergency for Kittitas and Yakima counties because of the fast-moving wildfire that has covered 45 miles and destroyed 70 homes and forced the evacuation of 900 people east of Cle Elum. About 800 firefighters are on the scene, and while no injuries have been reported, many of the fire victims have lost all their possessions. Families are being temporarily placed, and they will be starting over completely.
The Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce and Issaquah Chamber of Commerce are coordinating the delivery of donated supplies, both short-term and long-term, to the Kittitas Chamber of Commerce. Needed supplies include basic toiletries, clothing, bedding, cleaning supplies, food and water. Many of the destroyed homes were on farms with farm animals, so we also seek pet food, including food and supplies for livestock. Because the start of school is imminent, school supply donations are needed.
Volunteer coordinators at Community Connect Kittitas County are reporting firefighters are good with supplies like water and Gatorade. They say monetary donations are preferable for the time being.
Donated items can be dropped off at Encompass, 1407 Boalch Ave NW in North Bend, from 8:30PM to 5PM Monday through Friday.
Encompass also will coordinate the collection and delivery of furniture and other large items, as well as a list of “handymen” and manual laborers who can contribute time to repair fences and otherwise clean up after the fire and haul large items to the families as needed.
Please e-mail Stacey Cepeda, stacey.cepeda@encompassnw.org if you have large furniture items to donate. A collection database will be started, and, as the need arises, donors will be contacted to schedule pick-ups. Please e-mail Stacey a description of items you would like to donate (and a photo if you are able) and indicate whether you or a group are interested in helping.
To make monetary donations, checks can be made out in two ways:
1) For general donations, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce has indicated that checks can be made payable to “American Red Cross.” It is important to write in the memo line of the check, “Taylor Bridge Fire Fund.”
2) For donations to pay for veterinary care for farm animals with injuries, checks can be made payable to “Friends of Kittitas County Fairgrounds.”
Checks can be dropped off with or mailed to Stacey Cepeda, Encompass Community Activities, at 1407 Boalch Avenue NW North Bend, Washington 98045. Stacey will batch the checks and send them to their appropriate destinations. These contributions will be tax-deductible.
