American Legion accepting donations for evacuees

Good people of the coulee area have already sought a way to donate clothing and other items for any evacuees from the fires, but the Red Cross shelter at the school is not the place to take them, officials there said Thursday.

Stepping up to fill that role is the American Legion Post 157 in Electric City, which will take such donations in clothing and other necessities, or in cash, to give to people in need because of the fire.

The post doesn’t have manpower to staff the center all the time, but members will meet people there quickly, given a call to accept or give out donations.

“We’ll make sure that somebody is there to open it,” Commander Cindy Jane said, “and they’ll be taken care of at no cost.”

All items must be clean and in good condition. Items needed include clothing, shoes, household items, and furniture, a post release said.

“Cash donations will also be welcome as some of the fire victims may need medical and food supplies that may not be donated,” the release said.

The American Legion’s Vets Center is at 31 Coulee Boulevard, Electric City.

The numbers to call: John at 509-846-3762, or Jim at 509-631-1839.