Resources: Where to go, how to help mudslide victims

Below is a list of verified ways to help those affected by the Oso mudslide. 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.

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 this site 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 Union Bank in downtown Arlington, 525 N. Olympic Ave.
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.

Other fundraisers

Cabela’s is hosting a barbecue fundraiser at its Tulalip store on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The store is at 9810 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.
Fred Meyer and QFC locations in Snohomish County have changed their checkstand coin boxes to benefit the American Red Cross for the next two weeks. QFC customers can also donate through checkstand scan cards.
The Arlington Domino’s Pizza plans to donate 100 percent of sales from Thursday to the victim relief fund. 3704 172nd St. NE, 360-659-1120.
The Pazzaz Hair Design salon on N. Olympic Avenue downtown is giving money from each haircut to victims. 360-435-2975.
Sound Harley-Davidson and Puget Sound Harley Owners Group are hosting a benefit BBQ for the Red Cross on Saturday from noon-3 p.m. Checks are encouraged and can be made out to the Red Cross. Cash donations will also be accepted. 16212 Smokey Point Blvd., Marysville, WA 98271. 360-454-5000.
The Orcas Island Booster Club is raising money with “Step Up To The Plate For Darrington.” The fundraiser was organized by Orcas Island student athletes who play against Darrington.
Olympic Place Retirement and Assisted Living is planning a spaghetti feed from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Proceeds are expected to go to the American Red Cross and the families affected by the mudslide. Tickets cost $8. 20909 Olympic Place, Arlington.
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. Title: Amanda Skorjanc &Family Mudslide Victims; account number: Washington – 477251004032.
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.
A benefit Saturday night at Sidekicks in Everett will feature live music and an auction. The event is at 8 p.m. More info here and at 425-244-3247.
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.
SNOPAC 911 is holding a fundraising event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Everett Police Department South Precinct, 1121 SE Everett Mall Way. They will be collecting cash donations and gas cards. They will continue to collect gas cards at the same location until April 4. All proceeds and gas cards will be given to the American Red Cross. Call 425-407-3911 for more information.
The Everett Silvertips will be collecting donations for mudslide relief through the United Way of Snohomish County at their playoff game versus the Seattle Thunderbirds at 7:35 p.m. Friday. If you buy a ticket here, $6 will go to the fund. You can also donate at the game.
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 benefit concert is planned from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday at The Krosswalk, 322 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington. Jesse Taylor will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. and karaoke will follow. Donations of clothing, blankets, linens, small appliances, electronics and nonperishable food will be accepted. Concert is $5. All proceeds go to the Oso Family Relief Fund at Arlington Union bank.

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.

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.

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.

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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