Hello neighbors,
I am a local resident teacher reaching out to our community with a heavy heart to ask for help for my beloved niece and nephew. This past week, their entire world changed in an instant. The devastating McNeil Canyon fire tore through the Chelan Hills, and they lost absolutely everything. Their home, their belongings, and their sense of safety were completely wiped away in moments...
Not only did they lose their home, but they lost their three beloved cats. For anyone who has pets, you know that they aren’t just animals—they are best friends, comfort, and family. More than anything else in the world, my nephew had hoped his cats survived. The grief of losing them is heavy, and our hearts are completely broken for them.
Right now, they have nothing but the clothes on their backs. It was absolutely gut-wrenching to sit down with my nephew and ask him what he has left. He looked at me and told me he has his tablet, four pairs of socks, two pairs of shorts, and two shirts. That is everything he owns in this world right now. While my niece stays with another uncle, we have taken my nephew into our home temporarily to give him a safe, stable place to land while we navigate this nightmare. While we are doing everything we can to surround him with love, we cannot do this alone.
The timing of this couldn't be more stressful. School is starting up at the end of next month, and these kids are starting completely from scratch. Instead of the usual excitement of getting ready for a new year, we are facing total heartbreak. My nephew, Zack, is supposed to be walking into the sixth grade this fall and starting middle school with confidence. My niece, Kali, is going into the fourth grade and is involved in dance. These are such big, important years for them, and they deserve to walk through those school doors feeling secure, prepared, and just like any other kid. Right now, they don't even have a backpack to carry. We are desperately trying to raise funds and gather donations to help them rebuild their lives.
How you can help:
- School supplies & backpacks: To help them get ready for the upcoming school year so they can feel a sense of normalcy.
- Clothing & shoes: Replacing the everyday essentials and school clothes they lost.
- Toys & comfort items: To help bring a little bit of joy and distraction back into their lives during an incredibly dark time.
- Food support & living essentials: Taking on an extra household member unexpectedly means our grocery and utility needs have jumped, and any support for daily meals is greatly appreciated. We have freezer space and are looking into making a meal train.
For Physical Donations:
If you are local to Chelan, Waterville, Wenatchee, or nearby areas and have physical donations (used toys, electronics, clothes, school supplies, or living essentials), please click the "Contact" button on this page to coordinate with me, or reach out to me personally if you have my information.
If you are able to donate financially here, every single dollar will go directly toward clothing, feeding, and rebuilding a foundation for my niece and nephew.
Even if you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page. Our community is strong, and we know that with your help, we can help these kids heal and start over.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, prayers, and support.
Organizer
