PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Red Cross is handing out shovels, rakes and flashlights to people returning to homes burned by wildfires in Oregon.
Lisa Stroup, executive director for the Red Cross in central and eastern Oregon, said families need the tools to sift through what was left by the wind-driven fires.
This is in addition to the financial assistance provided for immediate needs like clothing, food, and other basic necessities.
Relief supplies for clean-up efforts also include work gloves, lanterns and coolers.
As of Wednesday morning, the Red Cross had delivered more than 3,000 meals and snacks to shelters and community meetings in impacted communities.
More than 70 Red Cross volunteers are supporting relief and recovery operations.
In Eastern Oregon, the Canyon Creek Complex of fires destroyed 26 homes and damaged 50 others when the wind started blowing at more than 40 mph on Friday. It has burned through about 63 square miles, mostly in the Malheur National Forest.
Stroup said people have also volunteered the use of their backhoes to bury dead livestock and they have donated hay to feed those that survived.
KGW is partnering with the American Red Cross to help people affected by the wildfires in Oregon and across the Northwest. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.
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