Port of Columbia, Department of Commerce coordinating donations in response to wildfires

DAYTON — At the request of the Governor’s Office and the Department of Commerce, The Port of Columbia is acting as a drop off location for donations of new goods and services to help support the victims of the recent wildfires in eastern Washington. Located at 1 Port Way in Dayton, the Port is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and by appointment on Friday. Businesses and nonprofits may also contact The Port to arrange for pickup.

Governor Bob Ferguson, the Washington State Department of Commerce and the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) are coordinating offers of large quantities of donated goods and services to support communities affected by wildfires in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation from these wildfires — but we’re also seeing the community spirit and resilience that makes Washington great,” Governor Ferguson said. “We are grateful to the people and organizations that have reached out with generous donations. All levels of government are working together to organize these donations and get them to the people who need them the most.”

Basic self-care items are the immediate priority, and only new items will be accepted.

Donation needs include:

Diapers

Sheets

Blankets

Bath Towels (unused)

Baby Formula

Basic hygiene supplies for men, women, children, babies

Non-perishable food items

Paper plates

Disposable cups

Paper towels

Plastic silverware

Toilet paper

New kitchen items (dishes, mugs, glasses, silverware)

New unused towels

Pet food

Gift Cards 

Donations of clothes, shoes, appliances, furniture, toys, and over the counter medications are currently not being accepted.

“During a crisis, it is often the everyday necessities like diapers, pet food and other basic supplies that families need most,” Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said. “I am incredibly grateful to the businesses and organizations that have stepped up to offer these items to those impacted by the wildfires. This generosity is a powerful reminder that when our community faces hardship, we come together to take care of one another.”

For more information contact the Port of Columbia at http://www.portofcolumbia.org or call 509-382-2577.