Hungry Horse News

Business and organizations around the valley are coming together to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Smith's Food and Drug Stores across the country are accepting cash donations from customers and employees throughout the month of September to help victims.

The local store is no exception.

Art Williams, store manager, said customers can purchase donation cards in the amounts of $1, $5 or $10 and can make larger donations if they wish.

"The easiest way to donate is just with your grocery order," he said.

All of the money goes directly to the American Red Cross.

Smith's is also allowing employees to donate money and that money will be matched by the company's foundations up to a total of $300,000.

The local Smith's store is also planning to give a donation of antibiotics and other medical supplies to Charles Whitaker, a local physician's assistant, who plans to go help victims.

The store estimates that between $5,000 to $10,000 of supplies will be sent with Whitaker.

The Northwest District of the American Red Cross of Montana is looking for help in three different ways.

Those interested in making donations can contact the local chapter at 752-6433 or call 1-800-HELP-NOW. For cash donations folks can also stop by the district office at 17 1st Ave. E. in Kalispell.

Cindy Burns, preparedness and response associate with the district, said it's also extremely important that the Red Cross receives blood donations. For more information call 1-800-695-7258.

Burns said that volunteers are also greatly needed, even at the local office. As volunteers leave to go to the Gulf Coast states volunteers will be needed to help people here.

"We need to take care of Montana and help Montana if we have an emergency," she said.

Training for volunteers will take place Sept. 22 and 29. For more information contact the local office at 752-6433.

Montana Coffee Traders plans to help victims by donating 100 percent of brewed coffee sales to hurricane victims on that day on Sept. 14. Folks can purchase coffee at the Kalispell Cafe, Columbia Falls Pines Cafe, Downtown Whitefish Store and the Highway Roastery.

An Area-Wide Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund-raiser is also being organized to help victims.

Lynn Langstaff of Kalispell is currently putting together a garage sale to be held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Exposition and Grandstand Buildings in Kalispell on Oct. 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.

The proceeds of the sale will be divided between the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Both organizations will also be on hand to take monetary donations during the fund-raiser.

"I want this to be something the whole Flathead Valley can get involved in," said Langstaff.

Donations for the effort will be taken Sept. 28, 29 and 30 from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. Items needed include antiques, artwork, clothing, sporting goods, furniture, jewelry, toys, linens, books and electronics. Major appliances will not be accepted.

Organizers ask that donations are clean and are marked with a reasonable price.

For questions call 212-2024 or 862-4039.

The Northwest District of the American Red Cross of Montana is looking for help in three different ways.

Those interested in making donations can contact the local chapter at 752-6433 or call 1-800-HELP-NOW. For cash donations folks can also stop by the district office at 17 1st Ave. E. in Kalispell.

Flanagan's Central Station in Whitefish will be holding a Hurricane Relief Benefit on Saturday, Sept. 10. There will be a silent auction, raffle and live blues music.

A $15 donation will be taken at the door. The benefit starts at 7 p.m., with free pizza and calzones from 7-8 p.m.

All of the money raised from the door donation and the silent auction will be given to the American Red Cross chapter directly in Louisiana. The goal is to raise $20,000.

Musician Maurice John Vaughn will perform that night. Vaughn plays guitar, saxophone and does vocals. He writes his own songs that are often humorous.

For more information contact Flanagan's at 862-8888.