Fueled by a heat wave and unfavorable winds, wildfires have erupted across California, Oregon, Washington and other western states. At least 20 people have died, hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders and more than 3.5 million acres have burned across the three states. Some evacuees face the difficult decision of whether to stay in a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with at least three Lutheran social services agencies and five synods to assess the situation and determine the best ways to respond. We expect immediate needs may include food and other necessities, as well as emotional and spiritual care for those who have been traumatized.
Your gifts will support wildfire survivors. Gifts to "U.S. wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires, until the response is complete. Or make a gift to "Lutheran Disaster Response" so we can respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike.
Other ways to give
By mail
Make checks payable to
Lutheran Disaster Response.
Write "U.S. Wildfires" on your
check's memo line and send to:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
By phone
Call 800-638-3522 to make a donation with a credit card. Operators are ready to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central Time.
More ways to give
Become a monthly donor,
make a planned gift,
and more.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. The ELCA’s tax identification number is 41-1568278.