‘The community needs the loving arms of WA’: How to support Longview after deadly plant implosion

Eleven people have died after an implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant in Longview.

Following the tragic loss of the 11 workers, several fundraisers have been created to provide a place for donations to be made.

Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill, co-hosts of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, wanted to use their platform to echo the many fundraisers created to support the families of the members who were lost.

“The community really needs the loving arms of Washington right now,” Spike said. “This community is moving forward as best they can under these horrific conditions, and there are ways that we can reach out and help these families in this community, because we really don’t know the extent of the impact on the community. The immediate horrific loss is apparent.”

Longview community bands together in support of 11 dead workers

Fei Chen, owner of Fei’s Carriage Restaurant and Lounge, is hosting a car wash outside of her business on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., according to The Seattle Times. All proceeds from the car wash will be directed to the victims’ families. Chen’s business is located off Washington Way and Highway 432.

Relief fund launched at Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union

The Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union is also accepting donations to a relief fund created for the families of the 11 killed in the accident. The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council and the Longview/Kelso Building Trades Council established the fund.

All donations can be made by check, payable to “Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council” or “CWCLC,” and delivered either in person or mailed to the credit union’s branch at 629 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. The bank is not accepting online donations as of this reporting.

Additional Longview-area banks open doors for donations

Two Longview-based banks, Fibre Federal Credit Union and Red Canoe Credit Union, are both accepting donations for the fund at all of their branches. Fibre Federal members can also contribute to the fund through the bank’s mobile app and transfer funds to “788370-02-Community.”

The mill workers union, the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Local 153, will be distributing the funds.

How to support each family directly

Jared Ammons

A meal train and online fundraiser have been created for Jared Ammons’ family.

Jeremy Cochran

An online fundraiser was created to support Jeremy Cochran’s family.

CJ Doran

An online fundraiser and a meal train were created for both CJ Doran’s wife, Alisa, and his parents and other family members.

Braydon Finkas

Two online fundraisers were created for Braydon Finkas, both supporting his partner, Kaitlyn. Each fundraiser can be found here and here.

John Forsberg

An online fundraiser was created for John Forsberg’s son and daughter.

Brad and Tyler Covington

Separate online fundraisers were created for two brothers, Brad and Tyler Covington, in support of their families.

Dale Miller

An online fundraiser was created for Dale Miller by his sister, Sarah.

Dillon Miller

A meal train was created for the family of Dillon Miller.

Fundraising events:

A community barbecue has been scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Bob’s Sporting Goods parking lot, located at 1111 Hudson Street in Longview, according to The Seattle Times. At the barbecue, there will be live music, and guests have been encouraged to donate what they can. All proceeds will be directed to the relief fund at Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union.

Shamrock Bar and Grill Fundraiser

The Shamrock Bar and Grill in Longview will donate 20% of all gross sales on June 7 to the Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union’s relief fund, The Seattle Times reported. The bar is located at 1131 15th Avenue and is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.