Salvation Army collecting donations for Saskatchewan forest fire evacuees

The Salvation Army is collecting donations for evacuees forced from their homes by forest fires in northern Saskatchewan.

The following items can be dropped off at Saskatchewan Salvation Army Thrift Store locationsor at the Henk Ruys Soccer Centre:

• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Bathing suits
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Underwear

The Salvation Army has set up a tent at theHenkRuysSoccer Centre to accept donations.

To avoid possible clothing defects, the Salvation Army will take the clothing back to their shop to process the donations before handing it out to the evacuees.

Earlier this week, the Red Cross advised the public in an interview with CBC News to refrain from all donations. The Salvation Army, on the other hand, is singing a different tune.

"A lot of people have gotten clothing, so the demand is starting to diminish a little bit, but of course, we don't know who's coming in, if there's going to be more evacuated," said Major MikeHoeft,the emergency and disaster services coordinator for the Salvation Army in Saskatchewan."So, there's still a need and we'll continue to provide until the last person says they don't need anything."

Where to drop off donations

Henk Ruys Soccer Centre (219 Primrose Dr., Saskatoon):

• The booth will be set up in the north parking lot between Monday andSaturday, from 9 a.m. to6:00 p.m. CST and on Sunday, from1-4:00 p.m. CST.

Donations can be dropped off at these Salvation Army Thrift Store locations:

Saskatoon:

• 410, 42nd A. St. E.
• 3000 Diefenbaker Dr.

Regina:

• 840 Albert St.
• 1711 Dewdney Ave. E

Prince Albert:

• 900 Central Ave.