DONATIONS

The Montana State Fire Chiefs Association has received several inquires from groups and individuals who want to help Montana Firefighters and those affected by the fires in Montana. It has also been brought to our attention that many volunteer fire department’s budget and resources have been stretched to the limit. We are so grateful to everyone who wants to help!

MSFCA is not able to take donations because we are a Membership Organization – 501 (c)6, so we have come up with this list of suggestions for donations. If you have other reputable organizations to add to the list, please let us know. Email

In addition, we have started to compile a list of needs from volunteer fire department around the state and we will do our very best to direct the donations to those with the most urgent needs.  If you are a fire department with needs, please send an email to Mikel Robinson with your department needs. We will need to prioritize the giving, so please be very specific with your department needs. It is MSFCA’s intention to ensure funds are directed to those who truly need help.

We know this has been a long and difficult season, continue to be safe out there and let us know how we can help.

SUGGESTIONS FOR DONATIONS

GENERAL RELIEF:

Red Lodge Fire-EMS Foundation

The Montana chapter of the American Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-272-6668, or online by clicking here. You can also mail donations to the American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th Street South (3rd Floor), Great Falls, MT 59405.

Montana Wildfire Relief Fund – The Montana Wildfire Relief Fund (MWRF) is a fund established at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) to efficiently and effectively respond to the current wildfire disaster in Montana and future disasters affecting our state. Volunteer Fire Departments will be eligible to apply for grants from the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund.

ALICE CREEK – LINCOLN:  A Red Cross shelter is on standby at Wolf Creek Elementary School, 150 Walsh St. Area residents who need assistance are encouraged to contact Red Cross at 1-800-272-6668.

Valley Veterinary Hospital at 4880 North Montana Ave. in Helena is taking in animals displaced by area fires. Anyone wanting to shelter an animal should call first, 406-442-0188.

EAST FORK – HAVRE/ROCKY BOY:  The Bear Paw Volunteer Fire Department has created a donation button on its Facebook page and says: “For those that wish to donate money, please click the blue “Donate” button on this page through PayPal. Donations can also be taken to Independence Bank, or to Ezzies for fuel. BPVFD thanks you for your generosity in this time of need.”

The Blaine County Health Department posted the following information: “For those wishing to donate items to the fire response please contact Tess Langford or Roxanne Townsend. These community members have agreed to stay in contact and will help coordinate these efforts. Thank you.

There are also donation drop sites at the Havre Fire Department (520 4th Street) at any time, and at HRDC (Monday through Friday 8am-5pm, 2229 5th Avenue).

Cash donations can be made at Independence Bank and checks must be made out to East Fork Fire.

If you have resources available that could assist, the Hill County Emergency Operations Center says you can call 406-265-5481 ext. 467, or click this link and enter your information.

Source: krtv.com

LODGE POLE COMPLEX GARFIELD COUNTY:  Garfield County Fire Foundation Facebook or to donate here.

Checks can be made to Garfield County Fire Foundation c/o Garfield County Bank PO Box 6, Jordan, MT 59337 (406-557-2201) or send to Circle c/o Redwater Valley Bank, PO Box 60, Circle, MT 59215 (406-485-4782).

Stockman Bank accepting donations at all locations.

LOLO PEAK  BITTER ROOT: United Way of Missoula County Want to donate to the Lolo Peak fires? Give via United Way’s secure website:  http://www.missoulaunitedway.org/lolopeakfire For more information, call Susan Hay Patrick, CEO, United Way of Missoula County, at 406.549.6104 At the request of Missoula County, United Way of Missoula County has established two emergency funds to provide assistance to people affected by the fires in our areas.  They are absorbing the administrative costs of the funds, so that 100% of all donations benefit those affected by the fires. They are working with 2-1-1, the Human Resource Council’s information and referral hotline, to screen requests and refer them to a distribution committee that includes the Missoula County sheriff, a firefighter volunteer, residents of the affected areas, local business people, and United Way staff with grantmaking expertise. The process includes meeting with those seeking help, verifying needs, and determining the availability and timing of any other forms of help available (such as insurance).  They also participate in a daily call with other disaster-responders, coordinated by the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management, to keep abreast of verified needs. Additionally, they seek referrals from other entities, like the Red Cross, local churches, businesses and schools. All help-seekers must demonstrate reasonably that they have been affected by the fires and that their needs are tied directly to them.

The 406 Family Aid Foundation was formed “To aid persons and their families in Western Montana who are experiencing financial hardship caused by unforeseen illness, complications of a previous illness, loss in a family or natural disaster. They’re accepting donations for Lolo Peak Fire evacuees at www.406familyaidfoundation.org.

Missoula-based Bear Trust International is about $3,000 away from its goal of raising about $8,200 to place air filters in all 32 Frenchtown classrooms. A press release says the need is acute because there is no air conditioning in Frenchtown schools, so teachers have to open windows to moderate temperatures. Bear Trust International says it’s buying filters for the schools that are designed to removed the PM 2.5 particulates are in wildfire smoke and a health concern. The filters also remove volatile organic compounds in smoke. The organization says the filter manufacturer is offering them a reduced price since they’re for classrooms. Bear Trust says the filters could be in place as early as next week. The Trust’s press release says, “This is a time of crisis and we want to do everything we can to help those in need.”

Lolo Peak Fire Fundraiser GoFundMe page

Florence Civic Club (You may donate at any Farmers State Bank and Florence Ace Hardware. Any questions, call Ann at 406- 273-4333

RICE RIDGE – SEELEY/SWAN:  United Way of Missoula County Want to give to the Rice Ridge/Seeley Lake Fire Funds? Give via United Way’s secure website:  http://www.missoulaunitedway.org/seeley-lake-fire-fund-2017 For more information, call Susan Hay Patrick, CEO, United Way of Missoula County, at 406.549.6104 United Way of Missoula County has established two emergency funds to provide assistance to people affected by the fires in our areas.  They are absorbing the administrative costs of the funds, so that 100% of all donations benefit those affected by the fires.