As smoke clears from the Spokane fires, the Human Rights Education Institute is partnering with the city of Coeur d'Alene and the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to gather donations for those impacted by the fires.

“There's no people in America more generous than the Inland Northwest,” said Tony Stewart, founder of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. “This is proof of it.”

He said thousands of items have been handed over since they started taking donations Monday. Donation drop offs started in the lobby of their building and have flooded over into another side room. Clothes, cosmetics, kitchenware, books, it’s all there.

“We’ve categorized everything so they’re boxed and ready to go,” HREI Executive Director Jeanette Laster said.

Even with items pouring in for the “From Idaho with Love” campaign, more is needed to help families get back on their feet. Folders to hold important family documents and other valuables are needed.

“They've lost their driver's licenses, their insurance papers most of the time, and they need some place to put records,” Laster said. “And so, we're not getting any of that kind of stuff either. We've had a few wallets come in, which has been great. But I'd love to see some more of those expandable, waterproof folders with the bands around them, so that people can have a place for the documents.”

Since those who lost their homes often have to move from temporary home to temporary home, having the means to transport their belongings in an easy manner is critical to establishing a sense of normalcy.

“It's a long transition, and so we need those items to be able to go in things that they can carry around,” Laster said. “Having personal luggage gives them ownership of and protection for their things. It's about dignity, in my opinion.”

Because these folks will have to move around, some likely won’t be able to find a permanent residence until it starts to get cold outside. Outerwear and other protection against the cold is in high demand for donations.

“We're looking for coats and boots and all those kinds of things,” Laster said.

Among other items needed are men’s toiletries such as shaving items, teen boys clothing, children’s items such as toys and books, power strips to provide more electrical outlets and new to gently used linens such as towels, pillows and pillowcases, bed sheets and covers. Donations will be accepted until 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Today when I walked in, I was almost shocked at how much stuff is here, and it's going to be more and more,” Stewart said about the donations. “It's very moving and very emotional that the people's willingness to help people who are in need and enduring tragedy, and it's always happened here. It's a compliment to the citizenry. They have a great heart, and they're showing it.”

HREI is at 414 W. Fort Grounds Drive, Coeur d'Alene.