Adopt a Malden, Pine City fire victim family

MALDEN — Innovia Foundation has launched “A Pine Creek Christmas: Celebrating Malden and Pine City” to provide a brighter Christmas for the families of Malden and Pine City displaced by the destructive September wildfires.

Innovia Foundation is partnering with individuals, families and businesses to facilitate bringing Christmas to the Pine Creek area by connecting sponsors with families. Sponsors will serve as Santa, bringing wrapped gifts for their assigned family or making a cash contribution for one of Santa’s elves to do the shopping. We are also seeking volunteers to help with shopping, wrapping gifts and delivering presents.

“Christmas will look different for all of us this year, and for those families who have lost their homes, it will be especially difficult,” said Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O’Quinn. “Innovia is committed to ensuring the holiday is a little brighter and merrier for those families who face the daunting task of starting over.

On Sept. 7, the Babb Fire swept across Whitman County. An estimated 80% of homes in Malden and nearly 75% of homes in Pine City were lost.

“When you’ve lost everything, what you need most is a connection with people who care,” said Scott Hokonson, Director of Recovery Operations and Malden resident who lost his home. “The most valuable resource we have are the partnerships we forge to truly make a difference.”

This giving season, Innovia Foundation is asking the public to support the community by adopting a family, donating to the cause or volunteering to bring a little Christmas cheer. Any remaining funds will go to the Wildfire Recovery Fund for long-term community restoration. Visit http://www.innovia.org to sign up.

Sponsor registration, a donation link and volunteer sign-ups can be found at https://innovia.org. Those wanting to support the Pine Creek communities are invited to join others in Malden on Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m. for a tree lighting ceremony to launch the holiday spirit.