Spokane-area fires prompt back-to-school relief efforts in Nine Mile Falls

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Nine Mile Falls community has launched a backpack drive to help students affected by the Spokane-area fires prepare for the new school year.

Community members can donate backpacks filled with school supplies listed on the drive’s flyer. Backpacks will be collected at Lake Spokane Elementary School, located at 6015 Highway 291, through Wednesday.

Donations can be dropped off in the white trailer parked near the west corner in the parking lot. After that deadline, donations can be dropped off at any school in the Nine Mile Falls School District.

The drive comes as Project:CAMP, a nonprofit that provides camp programs to communities after natural disasters, wraps up its relief efforts in the district.

“I know a number of families have reached out about the evacuation costs and having to spend so much through that process,” said Joel Domenic Heiser, a pastor and parent in the district. “They are now struggling to get the supplies for their kids. Even last week at camp, this was identified as a significant need for them.”

Heiser said backpacks can be picked up at camp or at any school in the district after Wednesday.