NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Golden 1 Credit Union announced the activation of its Natural Disaster Relief Program along with a $20,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist members and the general public affected by the Butte and Valley fires.

The relief loan program is designed to assist members who have been impacted by a natural disaster with accessing loan products critical to repair and recovery efforts.

Members who live or work in the affected counties (Amador, Calaveras, Napa and Lake) are eligible to apply for short-term loans of up to $5,000 to help with expenses associated with the unexpected hardship.

The program also offers modified payment options for existing loans.

"We at Golden 1 are saddened by the devastating effects the Butte and Valley fires have had on our members and the impacted communities as a whole,” said Richard Musci, executive vice president and chief products officer of Golden 1. "By activating our Natural Disaster Relief Program and making a donation to the Red Cross, we hope to provide much-needed relief to the area’s residents as they rebuild and restore their lives."

A natural disaster must be declared by the State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and/or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Golden 1’s $20,000 donation to the American Red Cross for Butte and Valley fire relief efforts will provide aid to community residents who have been impacted by the fires, which combined have burned more than 135,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes and structures.

More information about Golden 1’s Natural Disaster Relief Program can be found at https://www.golden1.com/disasterrelief/default .