Community rallies to help Spokane residents
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 4 days AGO
From left, homeowner Al Acosta, his son Louis Acosta, daughter Renee Stewart and son-in-law Jamie Stewart look through the remains of Al's home after a wildfire hit the northern part of Spokane, Wash., Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
SANDPOINT — The community and concertgoers can lend a help hand to the victims of Spokane wildfire while attending the Festival at Sandpoint's remaining show.
Festival at Sandpoint officials announced Thursday that donations were being accepted at the main general admission entrance to War Memorial Field before each remaining concert.
Requested donation items include bottled water, nonperishable food and canned goods; baby supplies including diapers, baby wipes and formula; hygiene and personal care items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioners, soap and bodywash, deodorant, feminine hygiene products and toilet paper; and clothing items such as new socks and underwear, blankets and bath towels. Dog and cat food and pet blankets are also being accepted.
Donation bins will be available before each remaining Festival performance. Volunteers will be on site to receive donations and help direct guests to collection locations.
"For more than 40 years, The Festival at Sandpoint has served as a gathering place where music brings people together," Festival officials said. "Throughout the remainder of the Summer Series, the Festival hopes to extend that same spirit of community by providing guests with an opportunity to support neighbors facing loss, displacement, and the challenges of recovery."
Those wishing to make a financial contribution may donate to STCU's Here for Good Foundation, which is currently matching donations up to $100,000. All monetary donations collected will support the Innovia Foundation's Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund, helping provide both immediate assistance and long-term recovery for those affected by the fires.
Online donations can be made at https://bit.ly/3Sif93S.
Donations are also being accepted as part of the Spokane Fire Relief Donation Drive, with items being accepted at 108 N. Third Ave., Sandpoint, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Items being accepted are sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops and heavy duty socks; diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and deodorant; nonperishable food items, protein bars, healthy snacks and electrolyte drinks; cleaning products and wipes as well as heavy duty trash bags; and dog food, cat food and pet treats.
For more information about the drive, call Gabrielle at 208-265-2753.