Here's how you can help Ruidoso residents and fire responders impacted by wildfires
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The Las Cruces Sun-News will update this article daily. Please visit www.lcsun-news.com to keep on top of more news related to the South Fork and Salt wildfires in Ruidoso.
On June 20 Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized $2.5 million in emergency funds for relief efforts related to the South Fork and Salt Fires in Lincoln and Otero counties. The same day President Joe Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico.
“Although there is still a long road to full recovery ahead, these emergency funds will help stabilize these communities and provide much-needed assistance to those in need," Lujan Grisham said in a news release.
The South Fork and Salt fires have burned an estimated 23,406 acres as of June 21 an destroyed 1,400 structures.
Evacuees fled the villages of Ruidoso, Mescalero and Ruidoso Downs. Officials said many are staying in shelters in various southern New Mexico communities.
Here's how you can help.
What type of supplies are needed by evacuees?
The following items are recommended for donation.
Blankets
Pillows
Towels
Toiletries and hygiene items
Non-perishable food items
Bottled water
Clothing
Pet supplies, food
Sleeping bags
Bandannas and work gloves
Batteries
Can I donate money to help?
The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico is partnering with the Community Foundation of Lincoln County to support the New Mexico Wildfire Relief Fund and Emergency Action Fund by establishing the Greatest Need Fund for Lincoln and Otero counties.
The fund is accepting monetary donations by check at is 2640 El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, NM 88001. To donate, online visit www.communityfoundationsofsouthernnewmexico.org.
The American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations. Visit https://www.redcross.org/local/az-nm/about-us/locations/new-mexico.html.
The Salvation Army Southwest Division is accepting donations as well. Monetary donations can be made at NewMexico.SalvationArmy.org or by texting RUIDOSO to 51555.
How can I share supplies?
The Salvation Army is accepting donations daily at the Roswell Armory located at 1 W. Earl Cummings Loop in Roswell.
Canned food donations are being accepted June 23 at White Sage Arcade located behind Fitness One starting at 6 p.m.
Las Cruces First Outreach advised it would depart from 5608 Bataan Memorial in Las Cruces with donations at 2 p.m. June 21. All donations should be given by then.
Donations can be dropped off at 1442 Certified Place, Suite B1 in Las Cruces as part of a drive by Steele Athletics New Mexico again June 24 through June 28.
NMSU is collecting donations through Monday at 9 a.m. at 940 College Drive, Room 221.
Pitre Kia of las Cruces is transporting donations June 22. Donations can be dropped off at 1840 N. Main St. in Las Cruces.
The Otero County Fairgrounds is open and accepting donations for those displaced by the fire. The fairgrounds are located at 401 Fairgrounds Rd. in Alamogordo. Pecos Valley production located at 300 N. White Sands Blvd. in Alamogordo is accepting donation deliveries daily.
Is the Mescalero Apache Tribe accepting donations?
Yes. Donations can be taken to the Mescalero Community Center Gym located at 108 Central Ave. in Mescalero.
An evacuation center at the Inn of the Mountain Gods is also accepting donations.
How can I support firefighters?
The U.S. Forest Service issued a notice on June 18 that donations for firefighters were not being accepted.
"We greatly appreciate the desire to provide for our firefighters, however, we are unable to accept any donations," the notice read.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: How to help Ruidoso residents, firefighters impacted by South Fork Fire
