Businesses and citizens are rallying to help Idaho residents displaced by wildfires. Efforts are also underway to support firefighters battling the blazes.

Those affected by the Clearwater Complex Fire on and around the Nez Perce Reservation are getting help from the Coeur d'Alene Casino and the Potlatch Credit Union of St. Maries. At least 50 homes in that area have been destroyed and another 75 homes and structures have been damaged.

The casino committed $5,000 for supplies and the credit union added $1,500.

"We're moving as fast as we can, with as much as we can bring, for as many people as we can help," said casino CEO Dave Matheson. "If more is needed, we'll bring more, and we hope that these supplies will make things at least a little easier for those who have lost so much."

The casino is taking donations from guests, employees and passersby, and will also donate employee time and equipment for gathering, loading and transporting goods. A casino bus will be fully loaded Thursday as clothing, food, bedding, toiletries and other items are rushed Friday to the Kamiah Community Center, about 120 miles south.

At least 60 cases of bottled water are included in the shipment, as will be many cases of energy drinks, mostly for the firefighters.

Meanwhile, firefighters have achieved about 50 percent containment of the massive blaze, mostly near Kamiah but also burning in areas around

Orofino, Craigmont, Pardee, Woodland and Weippe. The casino donations and efforts will come in concert with those already underway by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. State and federal agencies are also involved.

With more than 70 fires burning throughout North Idaho, thousands of firefighters from throughout the nation have struggled to fight and contain devastation.

The Country Store, 6265 Government Way, is collecting items for the men and women fighting the blazes.

The Country Store has sent one pallet and is working on a second one. Items being sent include: T-shirts, socks, lip balm, hard candy, gum, sport drinks, water, foot powder, non-perishable snacks and hygiene products like soap and shampoo. Donations can be dropped off during regular store hours: Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Send your supply and donation drive details to City Editor Maureen Dolan at mdolan@cdapress.com.