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Fires are still raging in Gasquet, Hayfork, Alderpoint, Ruth Lake and many other locations. If you want to help firefighters and evacuees, Pay It Forward Humboldt is coordinating donations of non-perishable food, sleeping bags, tarps and N95-certified breathing masks. They ask that people do not donate clothes, but consider donating directly to volunteer fire departments in affected areas.

Coast Central Credit Union is also matching donations of up to $2,500 for additional supplies. The bank has already sent 300 breathing masks and 15 sleeping bags to fire victims. See below for more information.


PRESS RELEASE:

Eureka, CA – Coast Central Credit Union is matching up to $2,500 in community donations to help with local forest fire relief efforts in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties. In addition to matching donations, Coast Central will facilitate the purchase and delivery of goods to local volunteer groups already aiding victims of the fires. The money will be used to purchase bottled water, sleeping bags, filtration masks and other needed supplies for the affected families. The first supply of sleeping bags and filtration masks has already been delivered.

Dean G. Christiansen, CEO/President of Coast Central Credit Union said, “Now that the Red Cross no longer has operating chapters in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, this money will provide an alternative to help in the relief efforts. It is at times like this that our community needs to come together for the benefit of all.”

Credit union members and non-members are invited to donate. Donations can be made to the “Coast Central 2015 Tri-County Fire Relief Donation Fund - #200644.” Donations can be made in person at a local Coast Central Credit Union Member Services branch. For direct assistance, members can contact 1-800-974-9727 and ask for a member services representative, or go online and execute a transfer to Account #200644. Dean Hart, Vice President of Marketing & Communications added, “Coast Central feels strongly that community participation in this relief effort is critical, particularly since this year’s fire season is far from over.”

Founded in 1950, Coast Central Credit Union is the largest local member-owned financial institution on the North Coast. It operates twelve member services branches and 18 ATMs throughout Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties. In addition, members have access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the Co-Op Network.  

EDITOR'S NOTE: Since publishing the above press release, it  has been brought to our attention that the Red Cross is, in fact, still operating in Humboldt County and providing 24-hour disaster relief. While the organization recently consolidated its Humboldt-Del Norte Chapter into its California Northwest Chapter, it is still operating and providing services in Humboldt County with an office located in Eureka, which can be reached at 443-4521. Information is also available online at www.redcross.org.