Friday, March 28, 2014

Help for Oso...

11:23 am - 43 degrees - raining...


Last Saturday, March 22 at 10:37 am, there was a horrific landslide in the small town of Oso, Washington, covering an area of approximately 1 square mile.  The mudslide engulfed nearly fifty properties, dammed the Stillaguamish River causing extensive flooding upstream, and blocked Highway 530.  The recovery of bodies is still ongoing.

We’ve been listening to stories coming out of the area.  They are in desperate need of so many things – right now the focus is on recovery, and the firefighters, the National Guard, and the relatives and friends of those lost are in need of simple supplies.

Will you help shed a bit of sunshine on this little town as they try to put their lives back together again?  I know that whatever is raised will be put to good use, however it is allocated.

Here’s how we can help:

RED CROSS:  American Red Cross workers have been providing food and shelter to residents, families looking for loved ones and first responders affected by the slide.  They have established two shelters - one in Darrington and the other in Arlington, these shelters have acted as a meeting place for families.  The Red Cross is also taking donations.  People can call 800-733-2767 to donate or text “RedCross” to 90999 and $10 will be charged to their phone bill.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE:  The city of Arlington posted on its website that a disaster relief account for slide victims has been set up at the downtown Union Bank through Cascade Valley Hospital Health Foundation.  Online donations can be made {click here}.  Also, the Washington state Combined Fund Drive has launched a special campaign to help victims {click here}.

{photo source: KATU news}