Apache Junction business collecting donations to help San Carlos Apache Tribe after wildfire devastation

An Apache Junction automotive repair shop that takes care of the fleet of San Carlos Apache Tribe government vehicles is collecting water and other items to be sent to the tribe to help in the wake of the Watch Fire that has destroyed homes. As of July 1 the fire has burned 2,162 acres and is 81% contained.

Items needed by 5 p.m. Friday, July 19, are clothes and shoes for adults and children; water; nonperishable food; phone chargers; and self-care items such as shampoo, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, blankets, sheets, pillows and pet food, according to a Facebook post from RNC Fleet Service, 1725 E. 12th Ave. in Apache Junction.

“Please do not bring cash... Representatives of RNC will take the items out to the donation site on the reservation on Monday, July 22,” it states.

“At RNC, we have decided to take up a collection of items to donate to the tribe as part of our mission of taking care of our family,” it states on Facebook. “RNC is a family-run business that treats our clients like they are a part of the family. And right now part of our family is in need of help. RNC has been taking care of the fleet of San Carlos Apache Tribal government Fire and GSA vehicles since we started. On July 11, the tribal community was hit by a fire that had grown to 2,100 acres by late Friday, July 12, with no containment. The fire, which is suspected arson, has destroyed at least 13 homes.”