In response to a call from Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson for businesses and nonprofits to support wildfire-affected communities, Churches of Scientology Disaster Response (CSDR) and the Church of Scientology in Seattle have delivered more than 10,300 diapers to Spokane. The donation, funded by Seattle-area Scientologists and community members, was transported by Scientology Volunteer Ministers to the Wildfire Relief Donation & Distribution Center in Spokane, where it will be distributed to families in need.
The relief effort addresses a critical need identified by state officials. Diapers were among the specific items requested by the state, along with blankets, sheets, towels, baby formula, hygiene supplies, food, and other basic necessities. The wildfires, which swept through Eastern Washington last month, prompted Ferguson to declare a statewide emergency on Aug. 1 and impose a ban 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 donation drive to collect large-scale contributions from businesses and nonprofit organizations.
"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 underscores the vital role that faith-based and community organizations play in disaster relief, often filling gaps in government response by quickly mobilizing resources and volunteers. For CSDR, this effort is part of an international humanitarian mission 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. They work alongside community leaders, government officials, first responders, nonprofit and relief organizations, 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.
The delivery of diapers to Spokane is a tangible example of how coordinated private-sector efforts can complement state-led relief initiatives. As affected communities continue to recover, such contributions help alleviate the immediate burdens on families who have lost their homes and possessions. The Church of Scientology in Seattle has indicated that it remains committed to supporting ongoing recovery efforts in the region. For more information about Churches of Scientology Disaster Response, visit https://www.scientology.org/volunteer-ministers/.
