Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, August 18, 2015
Contact: Elizabeth Duncan (208) 258-6595 or (208) 866-5969
eduncan@bhs.idaho.gov

Communities Providing Donations for Fire Impacted Areas

Officials stress cash donations preferred

(Boise) With multiple wildfires burning across the state, communities are seeing an outpouring of generous offers for assistance and donations. Individuals who wish to provide help to those affected by the fires are being encouraged to donate cash. Cash allows relief organizations the ability to purchase items that are needed most by area residents. Below is a list that includes some of the organizations providing options to donate:

• Idaho Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters – info@idavoad.org
  Donations can be sent to IDAVOAD, P.O. Box 16761, Boise, Idaho 83705-6761
• The American Red Cross of Greater Idaho – https://www.redcross.org/id/boise
• The Salvation Army – www.salvationarmytreasurevalley.org
• Owyhee Cattlemen’s Association – https://www.owyheecattlemen.com/2015/08/donationsaccepted-for-ranchers-affected-by-soda-fire/
• Freedom Northwest Credit Union (formerly The Kamiah Community Credit Union) – https://www.fnwcu.org

Cash donations made to non-profit relief organizations also support local businesses as needed supplies are purchased in and around the affected areas.

“While we understand and deeply appreciate the intentions behind donations of food, citizens are being encouraged to donate cash,” said Jerry Zumalt, the Coordinator for Idaho County Disaster Management. “That’s because food items are perishable and storage and distribution logistics are complicated in times of crisis like this. We won’t turn people away but we strongly encourage citizens to donate cash.”

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Facebook page is sharing information on additional vetted organizations providing assistance. https://www.facebook.com/IdahoOEM

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Note to reporters: The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency. Please note that IBHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security. Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, IBHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division

Original Release