Donations pour in for fire evacuees and their pets; C.O drop-off locations arise

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Wildfire evacuees are still arriving at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds from various fire-stricken areas around Oregon, and many Central Oregonians are stepping up to help them, as well as businesses and other organizations.

On Friday, the American Red Cross temporary evacuation point in Redmond assisted about 20 people with rooms, food and other resources, making it nearly 200 people they’ve helped this week.

Red Cross volunteer Michael Pritchard said he's noticing a commonality among people who evacuated later than others.

“There are a lot of people who try to stay, hoping they don’t have to evacuate -- and unfortunately, those are the people that seem to be hurt the most," Pitchard said.

Pritchard said someone came in with a broken clavicle and others were injured from struggling to leave their homes.

For some, he said, the first trip here in Deschutes County was to the hospital.

The Red Cross has partnered with other organizations in Central Oregon to receive donations. including NewsChannel 21.

For everyone's safety, the Red Cross said it is unable to accept material donations. However, their community partner, St. Vincent de Paul of Redmond is facilitating donated goods.

They're asking you reach out to them, if you're interested in donating.

NewsChannel 21 spoke with Debbie Wilkins, fire information officer for the Lionshead Fire. She said because there is limited information on what homes still stand or were lost, people are understandably very anxious.

“I think there are some people who are trying to go back to their houses, if they think it's safe now. They could be returning to Level 2 evacuation places, which weren’t mandatory to leave," Wilkins said.

Wilkins said they’re seeing the weather shift and are noticing slower wind speeds, around 10 to 15 miles an hour. She also said they are just beginning to discuss facility assessments, to tally the damages.

While many people are working to get the resources they need, many with pets need even more assistance.

BrightSide Animal Center Shelter Manager Patricia Bowling said, “Not only do they have to leave in a hurry, but some of these dogs don’t have litter pans, they don’t have scoops of cat litter.

"Even houses, crates and blankets and food, everything you would need for a pet. People just put their dogs and cats in the cars, rabbits or whatever and just took off.”

BrightSide is collecting donations for evacuees.

On Thursday, they donated several hundred pounds of dog and cat food, as well as other items, but they need more resources. They’re asking for food, bedding and crates for the pets of wildfire evacuees.

They’ve also started a registry of homes that have space available on their properties to take in animals temporarily. You can also bring cash donations to the site or online.

Subaru of Bend is also accepting donations for animals.

Wall Street Storage said Friday it is prepared to receive donations for fire / evacuees coming to Bend.

It will redistribute supplies, hygiene items, sleeping bags, coats, blankets and other useful donated items to shelters and non profit organizations as needed.

They are working with The Giving Plate to collect food and monetary donations as well.

The drop-off location, during regular business hours
M-Sat 8AM-5:30PM and Sundays 11:30AM- 5:30PM
1315 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
541-389-3661

In Bend, Shepherd's House Ministries said it responding to the critical needs of the homeless and others impacted by the recent Oregon fires. They are in need of N95 masks for those vulnerable populations living outside.

They are also collecting gift cards from Fred Meyer and monetary donations to assist those who are living in temporary shelters as a result of the recent wildfires.

"Your support is critical and greatly appreciated," they said. "Let’s be there for those who are suffering the most."

Drop off donations, M-S 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at:
1854 NE Division Street
Bend, OR 97701

Monetary donations securely online at: https://shepherdshouseministries.org/donate/

To: “Where it is most needed”