Pateros donations arrive at Colfax collection point

Residents of Pateros were scheduled to get a special delivery from Colfax this week, but the shipping date has been moved back to Aug. 20. Tammy Lewis, one of the organizers for the Colfax drive, said organizers in Pateros called Monday and requested the shipment be delayed because they are in the process of changing locations in Pateros.

As the area in north central Washington was devastated by the Carlton Complex wildfire with an estimated 300 homes destroyed, residents are now only trying to rebuild their lives, but reports are saying they are also fighting looters.

In just a few days, Whitman County residents raised more than a pickup load of supplies that will be delivered to Pateros High School, one of the few buildings not destroyed by fire.

Boxes of nonperishable food, water, personal hygiene items, flashlights and batteries plus one shovel, are headed to Pateros.

Spokane Seed in Colfax donated about 300 pounds of garbanzo beans along with several small bags of peas and lentils that probably weighed 500 pounds, according to Pauline Gebhardt of Colfax.

Items are stored at Events on Main in Colfax.

According to Lewis, some displaced residents are living in shelters provided by the American Red Cross. Others are trying to live in campers or tents.

There is no power or running water. Food and meals for 75 to 100 people are being provided at Pateros High School three times a day.