Edmonton Emergency Relief Society calls need for supplies a 'desperate situation'

Keep the donations coming, Edmonton.

The organization in charge of doling out clothing, bedding, toiletries and other essentials to Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees saythey're in dire need of more help.

"As of this moment, we are still in a desperate situation for supplies," saidNicole Geoffroy, a spokesperson for the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society.

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But don't haul your old clothing out of the closet and drop it off at the evacuation centres, Geoffroy added.

She said the societyneeds new clothing, socks, underwear for all sizes and ages, as well as new bedding.

"We need to be able to keep on helping these people as much as we can," Geoffroy said.

Since Monday, Geoffroy says the society has been able to help about 14,000 evacuees, and around 800 volunteers have pitched in to make it happen.

"It's gotten to the point now where they are coming in and spending more time with the families that are in need than their own families who are at home," Geoffroy said.

Though the society was initially inundated with donations, Geoffroy says it's vital to keep them coming.

"The need hasn't gone," she said.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society's Facebookpage.

Donation drop-off locations:

• 9727-47 Avenue
  • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 3631-56 Avenue East (Hangar at Edmonton International Airport)
  • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.