Seattle-area Scientologists and community members have donated more than 10,300 diapers to assist families recovering from the devastating wildfires that swept through Eastern Washington last month. The relief effort, organized through Churches of Scientology Disaster Response (CSDR) and the Church of Scientology in Seattle, was initiated after Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson called on businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide essential supplies for wildfire-affected communities.
Diapers were among the items specifically requested by the state, along with blankets, sheets, towels, baby formula, hygiene supplies, food, and other basic necessities. 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 on 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 donation underscores the critical role that community and faith-based organizations play in disaster relief, especially when government resources are stretched. For businesses and nonprofits in the Long Beach area and beyond, it serves as a reminder of the impact that coordinated charitable efforts can have on communities in crisis. As wildfires and other natural disasters continue to threaten regions across the country, the example set by CSDR and the Seattle community highlights the importance of preparedness and swift, compassionate response. The ongoing efforts in Spokane also demonstrate that recovery is a long-term process, requiring sustained support from a wide network of volunteers and donors.
