Our hearts go out to the victims and families of the mudslide in Oso.
North Kitsap residents may want to help the recovery effort. Here are some things you should know.
Be careful if you are approached by organizations you haven’t heard of. State officials warn that scam artists might try to take advantage of the tragedy in Oso by posing as legitimate charities. The Secretary of State and governor’s websites have advice on how to donate wisely. Go to www.sos.wa.gov/charities/givewisely.aspx and/or www.governor.wa.gov/news/landslide/default.aspx.
— American Red Cross: Go to www.redcross.org/snoco. You can also text “RedCross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
— Arlington Community Food Bank Oso Mudslide Disaster Fund: Donate to the fund at any Bank of America location.
— Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation: All donations go directly to those affected by the mudslide. Donate at http://bit.ly/1lqjpXz or by phone at 360-435-2133, ext. 7805. You can also donate to the fund through an account at any Union Bank branch.
— Catholic Community Services: Go to www.ccsww.org to help cover the costs of funerals and help family members to fly in for services if they can’t afford it.
— Gas cards: Help provide gas cards for Oso-area residents who must commute longer distances because of the slide. Mail checks with “gas card” on the memo line to P.O. Box 90, Darrington, WA 98241.
— KeyBank: The Stanwood branch is raising money for teller Amanda Skorjanc and her 6-month-old baby, who were seriously injured and lost their home, belongings and car. KeyBank has opened a benefit account. Call 360-629-6489 or go to any KeyBank branch.
— Northwest Equine Stewardship Center: Go to www.nwesc.org. Donations provide supplies to those that are caring for horses who have lost their owners in the mudslide.
— The Salvation Army: Call 800-725-2769, go to www.salvationarmynw.org, or mail to Salvation Army, Northwest Divisional Headquarters, 111 Queen Anne Ave. N., No. 300, Seattle, WA, 98109. Designate your gift as “disaster relief.”
— Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team: Go to www.scvsark9.org or mail to 5506 Old Machias Road, Snohomish, WA 98290. Donations can be earmarked for the helicopter rescue team, operations support unit, K-9 unit or swiftwater team.
— United Way’s Oso recovery fund: Go to www.uwsc.org or mail to United Way of Snohomish County, Attn: Finance Dept., 3120 McDougall Ave., Suite 200, Everett, WA 98201.
