Close to 500 employees utilized the program! Employee donations combined with the Verizon Foundation match totaled more than $84,000 in relief contributions to the American Red Cross.

A dangerous combination of dry air, high temperatures and strong winds is fanning the flames of wildfires burning in several states, including California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Utah. The fires are moving quickly, giving residents just minutes to evacuate from the flames.

Red Cross workers are meeting the needs of those who have been displaced by opening shelters, setting up cots, serving warm meals, and handing out comfort items such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste.

Colorado has been particularly hard hit, with 10 wildfires currently raging.  Last week, the Verizon Foundation awarded a $20,000 disaster relief contribution to the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Verizon Foundation has activated its Disaster Relief Incentive Program to assist the American Red Cross, which has launched relief efforts to support those affected by wildfires.  Under the program, the foundation will match online credit-card donations of $25 or more to the American Red Cross from U.S.-based Verizon employees. The program will run through July 13.

Verizon Wireless has engaged their Crisis Response Teams to support local authorities with additional cell phones, data devices and network services.