Resources: Where to go, how to help mudslide victims

Be careful if you are approached to give money to organizations you haven’t heard of. State officials warn that scam artists might try to take advantage of the situation by posing as legitimate charities. The Secretary of State has more advice on donating wisely on its website; the governor’s website also has information about this and much more.

Where to donate

Red Cross: If you wish to help victims of the Oso mudslide, cash donations are preferred. The American Red Cross is no longer collecting items. Go to the Red Cross of Snohomish County at www.redcross.org/snoco to donate. People also can text “RedCross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
United Way has established a community-wide recovery fund to assist those affected by the mudslide. Information on how to donate is at www.uwsc.org. Checks may be sent to: United Way of Snohomish County, Attn: Finance Dept., 3120 McDougall Ave., Ste. 200, Everett, WA 98201.
The Salvation Army is collecting donations for local disaster relief efforts. Donate by phone at 800-725-2769, online at www.salvationarmynw.org or by mail to the Salvation Army, Northwest Divisional Headquarters, 111 Queen Anne Avenue N. #300, Seattle, WA, 98109. Designate your gift as “disaster relief.”
The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation is a local organization that is giving 100 percent of donations directly to those affected. The Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington treated several victims in the aftermath of the mudslide. Donate at http://bit.ly/1lqjpXz or by phone at 360-435-2133, ext. 7805. You can drop off/mail donations to 330 S. Stillaguamish Ave. in Arlington or donate to the fund through an account at any Union Bank.
The Coastal Community Bank is accepting donations for slide victims at all branches: Darrington, Camano Island, Everett, Monroe, Stanwood, Sultan, Silver Lake, Smokey Point, Snohomish and Whidbey Island.
A special Mudslide Relief Campaign has been organized by the Community Fund Drive, state government’s workplace giving program that invites state and higher education employees to give to the charity of their choice. For information, go to www.cfd.wa.gov.
The Greater Everett Community Foundation’s Oso Emergency Fund will aid in long-term recovery and community rebuilding efforts. This could include relief for displaced families and individuals, animal welfare, environmental needs, community cleanup, rebuilding and more. To donate, go to www.greatereverettcf.org or mail checks to GECF, P.O. Box 5549, Everett, WA 98206.
The Family Support and Resource Center is in direct contact with Darrington families providing resources that will support them long term. The funds are also distributed by a team of school board members and community leaders. 360-436-0308. 1078 Fir Street, Darrington, WA 98241.
The Oso Chapel and Fruitful Farm have established a donation fund that will go directly to the families affected by the slide. Go to www.osomudsliderelief.org.
Catholic Community Services is helping to cover the cost of funerals. Go to www.ccsww.org to make a donation.

Other fundraisers

The Darrington Community Center welcomes any donations brought into the center. 360-436-1217. 570 Sauk Ave., Darrington, WA 98241.
The Oso Mudslide Relief Community Collection Center is looking for volunteers to move and inventory donations, transport goods, provide housing and help with website maintenance.
Arlington and Bothell Helping Hands locations are currently accepting donations, including clothes, food and toys, 360-435-2214. 18722 59th Ave NE Arlington, WA 98223.
KeyBank Stanwood is raising money for Amanda Skorjanc, a teller, and her 6-month-old baby, who were both seriously injured and are hospitalized. They lost their home, belongings and car. KeyBank has opened a contribution account to benefit Amanda and her family. 360-629-6489.
Gas cards for the long commutes many Darrington residents now face can be donated by mailing checks with “gas card” on the memo line to PO Box 90 Darrington WA 98241. Jesse Jones of KING 5 is promoting the effort.
The Darrington Food Bank is accepting donations but would like people to call ahead of time so they can coordinate drop off and storage of donations. 360-436-1833.
The Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team is taking donations through their website, www.scvsark9.org, or mailed to 5506 Old Machias Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290. Donations can be earmarked for the helicopter rescue team, operations support unit, K-9 unit or swiftwater team.
The Granite Falls High School ASB Leadership Class has been collecting monetary donations for the American Red Cross to help support those who have been affected by the disaster. These will be collected at the front office of the high school. Please contact Debbie Lindahl at 360-691-7713.
The city of Darrington has said that people looking to donate by mail can send a check made out to “North Counties Relief Fund” at Coastal Community Bank. PO Box 90, Darrington, WA 98241.
The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation is accepting donations for Oso Landslide relief. Take or send a donation to Union Bank, PO Box 278 Arlington or drop by any Union Bank in Smokey Point, Arlington, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Monroe, Everett and Standwood.
Students and staff at Twin City Elementary are collecting coins for a penny drive and hosting a Non-Perishable and Canned Food Drive. The public is invited to drop off donations until 12 p.m. on April 4. 26211 72nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.
Donations can be made to the Arlington Community Food Bank at any Bank of America banking center in the Northwest.

Businesses pitching in

The Pazzaz Hair Design salon on N. Olympic Avenue downtown is giving money from each haircut to victims. 360-435-2975.
On April 1, Tuscano’s Italian Kitchen in Monroe will be having a disaster relief fundraiser. The waitstaff will beb donating all of their tips and Tuscano’s will be contributing the night’s profits to several local charities. 5-9 p.m. 14919 North Kelsey St., Monroe, WA.
On April 2, Scuttlebutt Brewing Co. will be donating all of their proceeds from pints sales to the Oso community and the Red Cross Local Disaster Relief Fund. They will have happy hour prices all day and will accept donations. 1205 craftsman way #101, Everett, WA 98201.
Fred Meyer and QFC locations in Snohomish County have changed their checkstand coin boxes to benefit the American Red Cross until April 12. QFC customers can also donate through checkstand scan cards.
Lowe’s has activated its American Red Cross customer donation program in all Washington stores to provide a convenient place for customers to make financial donations. The program will be in effect until April 27.
Arlington Acupuncture is providing free treatments to all rescue and recovery workers involved in the Oso slide. All other new incoming patients will receive an initial evaluation and treatment for just $19. Promotion ends April 30. Suite A, 20218 77th Ave NE.
There is an ongoing fundraiser at the Stump Bar &Grill, 19711 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington, WA 98223. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 100 percent of food sales go to Oso.
Haggen will be collecting donations for the Red Cross at its stores all month.

Events

The Northwest Music Scene has put together a list of Oso benefit shows: http://bit.ly/O6N3SI
Students of all martial arts schools are invited to participate and collect pledges at a Kick-a-Thon at Carter Satori Karate on March 31 at 6:00 p.m. On April 2 at 6:00 p.m., members of the community are invited to a Kid-Art Plus sale, where students will sell their art and other items they would like to donate. 22811 100th Ave. West, Edmonds.
Andrew Zook, a Arlington High School graduate and music therapist, is offering a copy of his CD, “Go Find Your Love” to anyone who donates to the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation. To receive a CD, make a donation in the hospital foyer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 2.
A community prayer service is at 7 p.m. on April 4 at the Haller Middle School gym, 600 E. First St., Arlington.
Arlington High School football player Max Gray has organized a “flash football” game to raise funds for the family of Jovon Mangual, who died in the landslide in Oso. The game will be played 11 a.m. April 4 at Arlington High School. To participate, players must bring a donation, with those bringing the largest donations being named captains. The funds donated will go to Mangual’s mother, Jonielle Spillers, who lost her husband, Billy Spillers, and daughters Kaylee and Brooke Spillers in the slide.
Smokey Point Community Church will host an Oso relief event from 5–8 p.m. on April 4. They will be accepting cash donations, canned food, clothing, blankets and gift cards accepted.
Bring your instruments to an inter-tribal jam session to raise funds for Oso at 6 p.m. on April 4. Bring drums, shawls, regalia and share some songs and prayers. Donations will be accepted. There will also be a blanket drive, canned food drive, raffles and concession. 6700 Totem Beach Road, Tulalip; tagobin@yahoo.com.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on April 5, a cash donation of $5 will enable athletes age 14 years or older to take part in the Pilchuck Crossfit workout of the day. All proceeds will go directly to the Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation Disaster Fund. Event is at 6105 192nd St NE No. 2, Arlington; 206-418-9949.
There will be a spaghetti dinner benefit at Lake Tyee from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 5. Live music. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5 and under. 4571 Burpee Hill Road, Concrete, WA.
The Oso Strong Benefit will be at Rhodes River Ranch on April 5 at 3 p.m. Live music from Johnny Green &The Pack String, Jesse Taylor, Jody Taylor and Pete Frothingham. 22016 Entsminger Road, Arlington.
The Marysville YMCA is having a family bike ride on April 5 with proceeds benefiting Oso on April 5. Register at http://ymca-snoco.org/all-in.
There will be a “Blues for the Slide” benefit concert and auction at Cedar Stump in Arlington on April 6. An online fundraiser is raising money in the meantime. 19711 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223.
The Oso relief benefit show, featuring many performers including Rey Mendoza and Drew Ferarro is 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 6 at The Hawthorne, 115 Ave. A, Snohomish.
An art auction and concert are planned for 1 p.m. April 6 at Heart of Anacortes, Fourth and O avenues in Anacortes. Call 360-293-3515 for more information.
A mudslide relief benefit concert is at Wild Buffalo House of Music, 208 W. Holly St., Bellingham, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on April 10.
Blues for the Slide benefit concert is at 7 p.m. April 10 at Jimmy Jack’s, 13428 Highway 99, Everett.
A Zumbathon charity event is from 6-8 p.m. April 10 in the Arlington High School Commons, 18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., Arlington. Proceeds will benefit Cascade Valley Hospital Health Foundation.
Arlington’s Mirkwood cafe is hosting a benefit concert on April 12 at 6:30 p.m. Performers include Skablins, Woodshed and the High Council. Tickets are $5 at the door. The cafe is at 117 E. Division St.
The Spring Fling Fashion Show in Darrington now will be a fundraiser for the slide victims. The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 12 and is $5 per person. Darrington youth will model fashions alongside an auction. Snacks and nonalcoholic drinks will be served. For tickets, call 425-320-6996.
Bubba’s Roadhouse in Sultan plans a benefit concert April 12 at 8 p.m. featuring the Shivering Denizens. Cover charge is $1 with proceeds going to Coastal Community Bank. Bubba’s is at 924 U.S. 2.
A benefit dinner and silent auction are planned April 27 at Nature’s Connection Place in Arlington. Organizers are looking for donations via businesses, help with the event and food donations. Email 530slidebenefit@gmail.com for more information.
The Oso Strong 5k Walk and Run is on July 27. Get more info at www.osostrong5k.com. The event will benefit local fire departments.

Individual fundraisers

Government assistance

The Department of Social and Health Services is bringing services to those in need via its Mobile Community Services Office. Hours on Wednesday are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Operations began Tuesday in Darrington to support clients who need basic assistance and are unable to get to Everett or Smokey Point DSHS offices. For information, call 877-501-2233.
The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering help to businesses and property owners in the Oso mudslide area. Businesses affected by the slide that cannot file and pay their excise tax returns on time should contact Revenue to request a filing extension before the filing deadline. Revenue can also offer a penalty waiver for qualified businesses who were unable to file an extension request before the taxes were due. Revenue has prepared a property tax webpage with more information for property owners.
The Sno-Isle Library system created a page with information about the landslide: www.sno-isle.org/research/landslide.

Homeowner assistance

FEMA’s website features a “Disaster Survivor Assistance” tab. Similar information can be found at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Reach the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner at www.insurance.wa.gov or call the agency’s hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
The Washington State Employment Security Department has a Snohomish County Disaster Response page. 1-800-318-6022.

Animal welfare

People or businesses that have found a lost or abandoned dog or cat in the area of the slide are asked to bring the animal to the Everett Animal Shelter or to contact the shelter at 425-257-6000 to provide information about the animals. If you need assistance with transporting the animals, contact Snohomish County Animal Control at 425-388-3440.
The Northwest Equine Stewardship Center is having an “Equine Relief Effort” through Paypal at http://nwesc.org. Donations provide supplies to those that are caring for horses who have lost their owners in the mudslide.
The Arlington Co-Op is accepting donations of animal feed. 360-435-3213. 101 S. Olympic Ave.

Counseling

UnitedHealth Group is offering free counseling to anyone affected by the mudslide. The service is open to anyone, regardless of insurance. Mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters. The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary.
Free counseling is available from the Red Cross around the clock at 800-985-5990, or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
The Volunteers of America Care Crisis line is 800-584-3578.
The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Line is 800-985-5990.

Housing

Due to road closures, the daily commute to work for some Darrington residents can take as long as four hours. If you have an extra room/space available or a place you would be willing to rent for these individuals who may be of need, then please contact the Darrington Joint Resource Center at 425-583-9887.

Reminders

If you have missing loved ones or need to get in touch to confirm you are OK, call the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management at 425-388-5088 or go to www.safeandwell.org.
A new email has been set up in addition to the hotline. People with missing loved ones also can send info to DEMcallcenter@snoco.org. They should provide as much information as possible, including pictures and descriptions of identifying features, such as tattoos.
The Darrington and Arlington school district schedules are affected. Make sure to follow changes to school hours and bus routes.

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