Local veterans group leads hands-on relief effort for fire survivors
Spokane veterans and volunteers at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 have organized a comprehensive relief operation to support residents displaced or otherwise affected by the Spokane Complex Fire. The post is collecting essential items and distributing them directly to local families and individuals in need.
The initiative was prompted in part by members of the post who were themselves impacted by the fast-moving blaze, according to organizers. VFW 51’s drive focuses on everyday necessities — clothing, toiletries and food — items commonly needed by people who must evacuate with little warning.
“We have members here that were affected by the fire...myself included...that very first night this is where I came...and that's kinda how this whole idea came about of doing donations and being here for our community...because we understand that there is a need and we want to be here for the people no matter what it is,”
The comment came from Mikal Browell, junior vice commander of VFW 51, who described the effort as a team response from the post. That local perspective — veterans helping neighbors — is central to the operation, organizers said.
Volunteer-run collection efforts like VFW 51’s play a distinct role in disaster response: they can react quickly to immediate needs, coordinate with neighbors and deliver supplies to people who may not qualify for or who have not yet accessed larger-scale relief from state or national agencies. For many Spokane residents displaced by the Spokane Complex Fire, those kinds of neighborhood-level efforts have been the first source of help.
- What VFW 51 is collecting: clothing, toiletries and nonperishable food.
- Who is organizing: VFW Post 51 members and volunteers, including members affected by the fire.
- How donations are used: direct distribution to impacted residents throughout Spokane.
Organizers emphasize that the post’s relief drive is rooted in community knowledge. Post members said many people displaced by the fire are neighbors, friends or fellow veterans — which has motivated volunteers to focus on getting supplies into hands as quickly as possible.
Relief runs by local nonprofit groups and community organizations can also fill gaps left by larger operations, including specialized needs, short-notice requests and support for those who remain in the community but cannot easily access distribution centers because of transportation or mobility issues.
| Item category | Typical uses |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Immediate replacement of garments lost or left behind during evacuation |
| Toiletries | Personal hygiene items for adults and children |
| Nonperishable food | Short-term sustenance for displaced families |
Local responders and relief groups often coordinate with one another to avoid duplication and to make sure donations reach people efficiently. VFW 51’s leaders said the post is acting on information about local needs and crafting distribution plans accordingly.
For residents seeking to help or to access assistance, local veteran organizations such as VFW Post 51 can be a starting point. The post’s work illustrates how community organizations can quickly pivot to emergency relief when members are directly affected and nearby resources are required.
As Spokane moves into recovery from the Spokane Complex Fire, community-led efforts will remain an important part of the safety net. Local groups can provide fast, flexible aid and help connect survivors to longer-term services offered by government agencies and larger nonprofits.
VFW 51’s mobilization also highlights the broader role of veterans organizations in disaster response — from offering shelter and supplies to serving as trusted local distribution hubs. Organizers say they plan to continue operations as long as the need remains and to work with other community partners to ensure aid reaches those most affected.
Residents who need assistance or who want to contribute to the post’s relief efforts should contact VFW Post 51 directly through their established community channels for specific drop-off points, times and the latest needs list.
