American Red Cross to collect donations outside Safeco Field for those affected by wildfires

SEATTLE -- American Red Cross volunteers will be outside the gates of Safeco Field on Friday before the Mariners game to collect donations for the people affected by the Western Washington wildfires, the Red Cross said Thursday.

Thousands of people have been evacuated and more than 50 homes have been destroyed. The Red Cross said it is operating six evacuation shelters in five counties where people can get food, water, showers, emergency supplies and health services.

There will also be a moment of silence prior to the Mariners game in remembrance of three U.S. Forest Service firefighters who were killed Wednesday afternoon near Twisp.

The volunteers will be outside Safeco starting at 5 p.m., the American Red Cross said, and the Mariners nonprofit foundation, Mariners Care, will match all donations collected Friday night.

The organization said you  can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief (the charge will appear on your phone bill), give online at RedCross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).