Time and time again, our region has proved that when tragedy strikes, we are ready and willing to support our neighbors. That’s why when a catastrophic fire engulfed the school building in the small town of Almira, Washington, leaving nearly 140 students from kindergarten through eighth grade without a place to learn, our community answered the call.
Their generosity was swift and contagious. Just a day after the fire, an anonymous donor recommended a $30,000 donor-advised grant to the Disaster Response Fund at Innovia, earmarked for Almira to support relief efforts. Established by Innovia in 2020, the fund was specifically designed for emergency action, providing a simple way for our communities to respond in crisis situations, such as the Almira fire.
In the months since the fire, we have joined with local foundations, donors and leaders to grant over $55,000 to Almira School District for recovery efforts, including temporary classroom spaces and construction plans for a new school. Inspired by the support of their community, Almira students look forward to walking through the doors of their new school building in fall 2023.
