The Everett Herald has a superb list of places to contribute.
I have included some of them here. I would also suggest that donations should be best given to organizations that are local. Often national charities, like the American Red Cross, use these occasions to collect gifts to their national programs, some of which have a less than great reputation for reaching people in need.
Another issue to think about is that some of the list in the Herald is very proprietary to specific groups, e.g. religious charities like the Salvation Army, that may or may not be part of your own agenda.
Here are some that struck me as being places I will choose from:
United Way has established a community-wide recovery fund to assist those affected by the mudslide. Gifts are specifically for this purpose! 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. RECOMMENDED BY PATTY MURRAY!
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 any Union Bank. LOCAL charities like this often suffer because their expenses go way up in a disaster while they lack resources for fund raising.
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. LOCAL charities like this often suffer because their expenses go way up in a disaster while they lack resources for fund raising.
The Greater Everett Community Foundation has a page for Oso Emergency Funds. LOCAL charities like this often suffer because their expenses go way up in a disaster while they lack resources for fund raising.
The Family Support and Research 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. LOCAL charities like this often suffer because their expenses go way up in a disaster while they lack resources for fund raising.
OTHER LOCAL FUNDS THAT NEED HELP
The Darrington Community Center welcomes any donations brought into the center. 360-436-1217. 570 Sauk Ave., Darrington, WA 98241.
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 K9 Team is taking donations through their website or mailed to 5506 Old Machias Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290.
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.