In a message sent Aug. 5 to the Washington State University Pullman and Spokane communities, President Betsy Cantwell highlighted a student-led supply drive in Pullman and other ways Cougs can support people affected by the Spokane-area wildfires.
Additional information and resources for students and employees are available on a dedicated Emergency Support Resources page on the WSU Spokane website. Those who wish to donate in support of impacted students can make a gift to the WSU Health Sciences Emergency Fund or the WSU Health Sciences Campus Pantry.
Dear WSU Community,
The Spokane-area wildfires have created immediate needs for families and communities throughout the region. Alongside university support, our students have identified a direct way for the Pullman community to help.
Today, the Graduate and Professional Student Association and the Associated Students of Washington State University are holding an urgent supply drive:
Wednesday, Aug. 5
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grocery Outlet
1450 S Grand Ave, Pullman, WA 99163
Student leaders will be at the store with a list of the supplies most urgently needed, including nonperishable food, water, hygiene products, and emergency supplies. Donations will be collected onsite and delivered directly to verified distribution hubs in Spokane.
Harbor Freight has also donated N95 and KN95 masks, which student leaders plan to deliver with additional collected supplies on Saturday, Aug. 8.
Several regional organizations are also providing assistance:
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation: Directing support to the Cedar Fund Wildfire Recovery Campaign or coordinating supply drop-offs at the Methow Valley Interpretive Center in Twisp.
- City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund: Contribute or direct community members to this municipal fund assisting displaced residents.
- SpokAnimal Fostering: Encouraging the WSU community to foster displaced pets while families search for temporary housing during the rebuilding process.
- Second Harvest Inland Northwest: Supporting regional food security through monetary or physical donations of nonperishable staples in Spokane.
- Project Beauty Share: Facilitating or encouraging donations of new, unopened personal hygiene products, shampoo, body care, and dental supplies to their Sprague Avenue location.
If you are able, I encourage our community to support today’s drive or one of these regional efforts. Each offers a practical way to assist those affected by the fires.
I am grateful to our student leaders, regional organizations, businesses, and community members responding to this urgent need. Their efforts shine a bright light on WSU’s commitment to public service and to the people and communities of Washington.
Sincerely,
Betsy Cantwell
President, Washington State University
