Portland Timbers and Timbers Army partner to collect donations for Red Cross Oso landslide relief on Saturday | The Backcut

While the Cascadia Cup rivalry burns hot on the pitch, Saturday’s match between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders will offer a chance for fans of both Pacific Northwest clubs to come together in a humanitarian effort led by the American Red Cross. Volunteers will be located around Providence Park on Saturday to take donations for the Disaster Relief Efforts Fund.

The state of Washington is dealing with a natural disaster after a mudslide in Oso, WA covered dozens of homes, killing 27 people and several still listed as missing persons. Governor Jay Inslee has asked the federal government for major disaster status on the slide, which has employed volunteers, workers and the National Guard during the relief effort.

Members of the Timbers Army have volunteered their time to man donation stations around the stadium asking attendees to Saturday’s game to donate what they can to the Red Cross. With the Sounders in town, the club and the Timbers wanted to lend a hand with such an important effort hitting so close to home.

Volunteers will be stationed inside every Providence Park entry gate on Saturday, wearing Red Cross vests and holding donation buckets. Fans are encouraged to give what they can, as any amount helps aid efforts and recovery going on in NW Washington. Those unable to contribute in person will be able to donate online at RedCross.org or with their cell phones by texting REDCROSS to 90999 for $10.

Saturday’s game starts at 12 p.m. PT, and gates open to the general public at 10:30 a.m.