Lewis County residents interested in supporting those impacted by the deadly mudslide in Snohomish County over the weekend are encouraged to contact the Red Cross, according to the United Way of Lewis County
Debbie Campbell, United Way of Lewis County executive director, said she recently talked with the director of the United Way branch in Snohomish County and was told initial support is being directed to the Red Cross.
Campbell said the Red Cross handles the first response, while the United Way will support the recovery efforts in the coming months.
“I talked to the United Way of Snohomish County director and touched based with him,” Campbell said. “Obviously Red Cross is the immediate responder. It’s the United Way that comes through in the long term.”
Campbell said the most effective way to help is through financial donations.
To make a finanical contribution to the Red Cross in Snohomish County, visit www.redcross.org/wa/everett.
Campbell said the Red Cross is taking the lead in providing shelter and support to both the survivors and the rescue crews. More than 100 people are reported missing and 14 people have been confirmed killed in the massive landslide.
Along with financial donations, people can drop off blankets and clothing to the Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington if they are in the area.
Donations can also be dropped off at the United Way of Lewis County at 450 NW Pacific Ave in Chehalis. The donations will then be taken to the Red Cross.
Campbell said the United Way of Lewis County is trying to help the neighboring community much like other communities helped Lewis County during the 2007 Flood.
“It’s taken us all seven years and we are just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel to get back to normal,” Campbell said. “That is truly United Way’s role in the long term is to come in as the response.”
