"While we have our claims professionals on the ground helping Safeco policyholders, we also want to reach out to the entire community at this time of great need," said Virginia Anderson, president of the Safeco Insurance Foundation.
At the same time, the company is is launching a countrywide employee-drive to collect 1,000 brand new stuffed animals for children whose families have lost so much in the fires.
"A catastrophe like this is tremendously difficult for anyone driven from their home and facing terrible losses," Anderson said. "But it is particularly hard on children and we want to help them sleep a little easier with a soft new friend to hug."