To the editor:

The Islands Red Cross teams have responded to many more fires this year than in previous years.

The most recent one was the 16th fire in 2010, which is double the average for a year; and this is only the beginning of winter.

Red Cross is able to help the displaced with clothing, shoes, food, medications and a place to stay until they are back on their feet. Funding for these relief services comes from local donations, not from a national source.

We don’t do many mailed solicitations like other charities, but we do need your contributions to help provide for local needs. If you have the capacity to donate to our disaster-relief fund, please help by going to our website at http://www.theislandsredcross.org and click on the “Donate” button. Donations can also be mailed to: Islands Red Cross, PO Box 1588, Oak Harbor 98277.

We also welcome volunteers for our disaster-action teams. For South Whidbey, contact swdisasterteam@whidbey.com or 321-2581 to learn about upcoming meetings and trainings. A free shelter-operation training will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Clinton Community Hall. Should we ever need to open a shelter, your help will be important.

Many thanks.

Nancy Waddell and Jessica Larson

South Whidbey Disaster Action Team

The Islands Chapter, American Red Cross