08/04/2026
🔥 HOW NORTH IDAHO CAN HELP SPOKANE FIRE VICTIMS — UPDATED VERIFIED DONATION INFORMATION
I’ve seen numerous news stories showing the devastating destruction caused by the Spokane County wildfires, but not nearly as much widespread information explaining where people can actually help, what is currently needed and how to donate without getting ripped off by scammers.
Many people across North Idaho are asking how they can help our neighbors in Spokane. We have now received updated information directly from Innovia Foundation regarding verified relief efforts.
🚨 UPDATE FROM INNOVIA FOUNDATION
Britt Towery, Innovia Foundation’s Regional Engagement Director for North Idaho, contacted North Idaho News and provided the latest information for community members wanting to support those affected by the Spokane Complex wildfires.
Towery said Innovia Foundation is partnering with the City of Spokane and working with KHQ to help direct donations toward verified organizations and wildfire-relief efforts.
Innovia has now opened a dedicated Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund.
❤️ SPOKANE COMPLEX WILDFIRE RESPONSE FUND
Innovia Foundation says this fund will support nonprofit organizations, businesses and community organizations working to meet the immediate and long-term needs of people affected by the Spokane Complex wildfires.
According to Innovia:
“100% of your tax-deductible donation will support nonprofit organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by wildfires in our region.”
It is important to understand that the money is not simply handed directly to individual victims. Innovia distributes grants to nonprofit and community organizations providing assistance and relief based on identified needs.
Official information and donation page:
https://innovia.org/wildfire-response/
The most recent verified assistance information shared with North Idaho News by Innovia:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BUbciGcWT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Donations can also be mailed by check.
Make the check payable to:
Innovia Foundation
Write “Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund” in the memo line and mail it to:
Innovia Foundation
Attn: Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund
818 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 650
Spokane, WA 99201
Questions can be directed to Innovia Foundation at:
☎️ (509) 624-2606
Innovia Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) community foundation serving Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
🐶 PET FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD DONATIONS
According to information reported by KXLY, the Garland Theater is serving as a donation drop-off location for SpokAnimal and Caritas Food Bank.
You do not need to purchase a movie ticket. Donors can pull up to the theater and drop off requested supplies.
CURRENTLY NEEDED FOR SPOKANIMAL:
• Wet or dry cat food
• Kitten food
• Wet or dry dog food
• Puppy food
CURRENTLY NEEDED FOR CARITAS FOOD BANK:
• Nonperishable food
• Canned goods
• Hygiene products
• Toiletries
• Household essentials
📍 Garland Theater
924 W. Garland Avenue
Spokane, Washington
Please check the Garland Theater’s official social-media pages for current hours and updated needs before making the drive. Needs can change quickly.
📦 PARTNERS INW DONATION LOCATION
Partners INW in Spokane Valley is also accepting donations to assist community members affected by the fires.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTED:
• Food
• Clothing
• Diapers
• Hygiene products
• Other basic essentials
📍 Partners INW
10814 E. Broadway Avenue
Spokane Valley, Washington
Food donations can be taken to the Far West Food Bank entrance at Door 4.
Donation hours:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Clothing and diaper donations can be taken through the front lobby during the same hours.
Please verify current needs directly with Partners INW before purchasing or delivering large quantities of supplies.
💵 FINANCIAL DONATIONS MAY HELP THE FASTEST
During a fast-moving disaster, established local organizations can often use financial donations more efficiently than large amounts of unsolicited clothing or household items.
Money allows relief organizations to purchase the exact food, temporary lodging, fuel, medications, pet supplies and emergency necessities needed at that moment.
Please do not take random donations directly to evacuation shelters or enter closed evacuation areas unless emergency officials have specifically requested those items.
🔎 RESEARCH BEFORE YOU DONATE
Please research any organization before giving money and do not be afraid to ask direct questions.
Find out whether your donation is guaranteed to remain local and specifically help people affected by the Spokane Complex wildfires, or whether it could be placed into a broader regional or national disaster fund.
Ask the organization:
• Is my donation restricted specifically to the Spokane Complex wildfires?
• Is the money guaranteed to remain in the Spokane area?
• How much of every donated dollar goes toward helping fire victims?
• How much is used for administration, fundraising, payroll or other operating expenses?
• Does the organization receiving a grant have its own administrative or payroll expenses?
• Will the organization publicly report how donations and grants were distributed?
Innovia says 100% of donations to its dedicated Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund will support nonprofit organizations working to meet wildfire-related needs.
That does not necessarily mean every dollar will be handed directly to victims as cash. Nonprofit organizations may use funding for food, shelter, case management, transportation, staffing, purchasing and distributing supplies or other recovery services.
Those expenses may be necessary, but donors deserve to understand exactly how their money will be used.
A legitimate organization should be willing to explain how donations are handled and provide financial information. Look for annual reports, audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 filings when applicable.
When donating through a personal fundraiser, confirm who controls the account, who will receive the money and whether the affected person or family has publicly verified the fundraiser.
⚠️ HOW TO AVOID FIRE-RELIEF SCAMS
Unfortunately, scammers frequently take advantage of major disasters and the generosity of people trying to help.
Before donating:
✅ Go directly to the official government, nonprofit or organization website.
✅ Type the website address into your browser instead of clicking links sent through unsolicited texts, emails, comments or private messages.
✅ Double-check the spelling of the organization and website address.
✅ Confirm that a GoFundMe or other personal fundraiser was created by the affected family, a close relative or someone publicly authorized by them.
✅ Use a credit card when possible because it generally provides stronger fraud protections.
🚩 Do not donate through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or anyone demanding immediate payment.
🚩 Do not provide your banking password, Social Security number or account login information.
🚩 Be cautious of newly created social-media pages claiming to represent victims or relief organizations.
🚩 Do not assume a fundraiser is legitimate simply because it has been widely shared.
🚩 Be suspicious of anyone contacting you privately and pressuring you to donate immediately.
When possible, contact the organization through a publicly listed phone number or official website before donating.
We will continue adding verified donation locations, requested supplies and volunteer opportunities as organizations announce them.
Please help responsibly, support verified organizations and do not allow scammers to take advantage of the generosity being shown across North Idaho and the Inland Northwest.
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