The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response (CSDR) and the Church of Scientology in Seattle have delivered more than 10,300 diapers to Spokane to assist families recovering from the devastating wildfires that swept through Eastern Washington last month. The donation was made in response to a call from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson for businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide essential supplies to wildfire-affected communities.
The relief effort underscores the critical role that community and faith-based groups play in supplementing state and federal disaster response. When government resources are stretched thin, such organizations can quickly mobilize volunteers and donations to address immediate needs. Diapers were among the items specifically requested by the state, along with blankets, sheets, towels, baby formula, hygiene supplies, food and other basic necessities. For families forced from their homes, these items are not luxuries but daily essentials that can be difficult to obtain during a crisis.
Members of the Seattle Church of Scientology congregation and others in the community contributed funds to purchase the diapers. Scientology Volunteer Ministers then transported the donation to the Wildfire Relief Donation & Distribution Center in Spokane, where the supplies will be directed to families in need.
"When families have been forced from their homes, something as basic as having enough diapers for their children can become an immediate and very real concern," said Rev. Ann Pearce. "When the call went out for help, our parishioners and members of the community responded immediately. We wanted the families affected by these fires to know that people hundreds of miles away were thinking about them and were ready to help." The Church is continuing to work on further assistance for families in Spokane.
The donation comes in the aftermath of a wildfire emergency that affected communities across eastern Washington and prompted an extensive state and federal response. Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency Aug. 1 amid extreme fire conditions and imposed a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning. The state also activated Washington National Guard personnel to assist firefighting operations. On Aug. 27, Ferguson and the Washington State Department of Commerce announced a coordinated effort to collect large-scale donations from businesses and nonprofit organizations for affected communities.
For Churches of Scientology Disaster Response, mobilizing volunteers to assist communities in crisis is part of an international humanitarian effort spanning more than 25 years. CSDR staff and Scientology Volunteer Ministers have provided assistance in the aftermath of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires and other natural and man-made disasters. Volunteer Ministers work alongside community leaders, government officials, first responders, nonprofit and relief organizations, faith-based groups and other volunteers. Depending on the needs of a disaster, they may help organize and distribute emergency supplies, assist with logistics and cleanup, support relief centers and provide other practical assistance.
This latest effort highlights how coordinated private-public partnerships can address gaps in disaster relief, ensuring that vulnerable families receive the support they need as they begin to rebuild their lives.
