SEELEY LAKE – Funds are still being distributed to help individuals affected by the Rice Ridge Fire. The Seeley Lake Community Foundation is playing an active role helping to ensure donated funds are getting to those in need.
The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management designated the Seeley Lake Community Foundation as a Community Organizations Active in Disaster.
Foundation President Carla Schade said when people called to donate she gave them the option to donate through United Way Missoula’s Lolo Peak/Rice Ridge Fire Funds or directly to the Foundation.
“We did receive some donations directly and we are working with local organizations to distribute those donations,” said Schade.
Schade said that more than $1,000 has been donated directly to the Foundation. Nothing has been distributed yet. Schade said that funds absolutely would not be used to help rebuild the Morrell Creek Bridge near Morrell Falls Trailhead, a rampant rumor around Seeley Lake that she said she has no idea how it got started.
The 2-1-1 Program through United Way Missoula is another resource for residents of Seeley Lake that need assistance for added expenses or loss incurred during the Rice Ridge Fire. They help applicants determine if their insurance will cover the costs and if it isn’t, fill requests when possible.
Around $120,000 has been donated to help people affected by the Rice Ridge and Lolo Peak Fires through Montana 2-1-1. While some of this has been spent to purchase air filters for Seeley Lake area schools and food for evacuees at Camp Paxson, there are still funds available.
For more information call 2-1-1 or 406-549-5555 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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