SEATTLE — Pizza Hut restaurants in the Columbia Basin, Spokane and Seattle areas are donating 50 percent of all pizza sales today and Thursday to victims of the mudslide disaster is Oso. The Pizza Hut location in Smokey Point, closest to Oso, will donate 100 percent.

Proceeds from the two-day effort will be given to the American Red Cross to be used in support of the relief efforts. Locations in Moses Lake and Ephrata are participating in the fundraiser, located at 1115 Basin St. SW in Ephrata, and 205 South Pioneer Way in Moses Lake.

"Everyone has been emotionally impacted by what happened in Oso, and our hearts go out to the families," Terry Hopkiins said, CEO and owner of Columbia Basin Pizza Hut, Emerald City Pizza and Spokane Valley Pizza. "As a local business, we immediately contacted city representatives and the American Red Cross to find out how we could help. We were able to get our restaurants across the state to work together on a fundraiser that will immediately benefit those in need."

Across the Pacific Northwest, 108 Pizza Huts are taking part in the fundraiser.

To keep current on local relief efforts, pick up the Columbia Basin Herald at newsstands.

— Staff report