A community coming together
Roger Sprague and Beverly Cohen distributing funds to an appreciative recipient
Although the Echo Mountain Relief Fund is North Lincoln County’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to serving the survivors of September’s devastating wildfires over the long-term, the immediate work of assisting survivors began mere hours after the evacuation orders were lifted. Even two months later critical needs remain among the families of Echo Mountain as they work to continue their lives.
That’s why from our first moments we’ve been proud to be associated with a network of community groups, nonprofits, and church groups who sprang into service in ways they might never have imagined before. Using our contacts and outreach, we’ve sent donors their way, knowing that in the days immediately following the disaster they can offer what no one else can: help and hope. Since then, many groups have gone back to their original missions. When they are needed again, they will be there for the families of Echo Mountain.
A few, however, have continued to serve. From a group more than a century old, to a community center that barely dodged the flames themselves. These are the groups still working every day to help our community now. We’re honored to be able to tell you a little more about some of them, and hope you can support them, too.
Angels Anonymous
Each year, Angels Anonymous, a local non-profit 501C-3 charitable organization consisting of 17 volunteers, gives thousands of dollars to help residents of North Lincoln County with immediate and basic needs. The organization helps those who have exhausted every other avenue of assistance. Completely manned by the seventeen members of the board, they meet monthly, have no office and no paid staff, and maintain operating expenses at less than 3 percent.
This year started out as a challenge with the board realizing that their main fundraiser, the Angel’s Ball and Fantasy of Trees, would need to be cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Even so, the board was resolved to help as many as possible who suffered loss from the Echo Mountain Fire while anticipating running short on funds before year’s end. Word spread of the Angels’
commitment to help provide a measure of relief for the families which had found themselves in devastating circumstances and monetary donations began pouring in.
To date, assistance has been provided to over 100 families who fell victim to the Echo Mountain fire and “our ability to do so is partly due to the contributions we have received,” said Jim Davis, president of Angels Anonymous.
“Many people who wanted to help but just didn’t know how have donated and it’s truly making a difference,” Angels’ Treasurer, Roger Sprague said. Roger and board member Beverly Cohen have worked tirelessly to make certain the funds reach those in need as quickly as possible. Cohen, who after the application is reviewed and approved by the board, is in charge of distributing the funds to the individual families, said “It has been my privilege to listen to everyone’s story, and there have been over 100 so far. We share the sad tears and then I get to share the happy, joyful and most appreciative tears of those we’ve helped when I give them a check.”
Who: Angels Anonymous
What: Monetary donations
Where: PO Box 554, Lincoln City 97367
When: Donations can be sent anytime
How: Call 541-994-2651
Salmon River Grange
For 104 years, the Salmon River Grange has sat alongside Highway 18 just a bit more than five miles east of the beach. A place where life moved according to the rhythms of generations past, Bingo nights and annual events like Easter Egg hunts for the kids were the events they kept marked on the calendar.
Then came the fire.
Within hours of Highway 18’s reopening, the members of the Salmon River Grange moved quickly to assist their community — and they haven’t stopped since. Open seven days a week from noon to 3 pm neighbors have been helping neighbors, and they’ve no plans to stop; theirs is a community in need.
They’re doing it all, from helping manage the funding for volunteer clean-up efforts on Echo Mountain, to arranging showering facilities for survivors still living in campers. A donation hub, what they offer fire survivors is so extensive they’ve been described as the “World’s Smallest Walmart — and everything is free.”
There are material goods, such as clothes, shoes, towels, bedding, cleaning materials, kitchen items, tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, and other personal items. They also have food, such as garden fresh produce, canned goods, potatoes, dairy and bottled water. As they give them out, they’re always looking for more.
Who: Salmon River Grange
What: Donations of goods and money
Where: 5371 Hwy. 18, Otis, 97368
When: Open noon-3 pm, Seven days a week
How: For more information on donations, contact Norma Jean Washburn at 541-961-5706
Panther Creek Senior and Community Center
Like its fellow community hub on Highway 18, before the fire the Panther Creek Senior and Community Center was more known for its community events, as well as a gift shop and craft room. There, all were welcome, not just Panther Creek residents.
Today, their building sits mere yards from the burned-out homes of the very people that came to those events. Accordingly, they’re open 11 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday, with Sunday off. Like the Salmon River Grange, they offer all means of goods for donation. Unlike the Grange, they’ve got a lot less space to display items. So, if you can, drop off donated goods at the Grange, and the Grange will send them up the hill. If you can’t, that’s OK, too. They just ask that you not leave them on the porch when they’re not open.
Like the Grange, they welcome financial donations. In the past few weeks, despite the fire and pandemic, they’ve tried to remain the hub for activities, like “Trunk-or-Treat” at Halloween and a drive-thru Thanksgiving dinner. Your donations help maintain at least a small sense of normalcy for families that right now have lost so much.
Who: Panther Creek Senior and Community Center
What: Donations of goods and money
Where: 655 N Wayside Loop, Otis, 97368
When: Monday through Saturday, 11 am-4 pm. Closed Sunday
How: Call 541-961-5244 or email pcsacc@centurylink.net
Church of the Nazarene
Located in the heart of Lincoln City, the Church of the Nazarene lies far closer to the motels that many fire survivors now live in than it does to their former home in Otis. Maybe that’s why the church has become a new community hub for those looking for everything from shoes to underwear, fresh milk to potatoes. With the church open to survivors 15 hours a week, residents from the Echo Mountain area who can’t make it out to Otis often make their way here.
The church’s mission of giving, however, is not a new one. For years they’ve maintained an open around-the-clock food closet outside their front doors for anyone in need. At Thanksgiving, when numerous local restaurants and community groups were forced to cancel their free turkey dinners, the people of Lincoln City’s Church of the Nazarene stepped up to ensure every last person in need in Lincoln City who needed a meal got one — again.
Who: Lincoln City Church of the Nazarene
What: Donations of goods and money
Where: 1462 NW 19th Street, Lincoln City, OR 97367
When: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 11 am-4 pm; Outdoor food closet open 24/7.
How: Call 541-994-2981