The community of Longview, Washington, is coming together in the wake of a tragic mill disaster that has deeply affected many local families. The deadly implosion at the mill has left the community in shock, with several families receiving the heartbreaking news that their loved ones were among those killed in the blast.
Lindsay Dines, whose husband narrowly escaped the disaster, is leading efforts to support affected families. She operates a mobile lemonade trailer and has pledged to donate half of her proceeds from the upcoming Cowlitz Community Farmer’s Market to those who lost loved ones. ‘I can’t even imagine what the families are going through, and I think the last thing on their minds needs to be how to pay their bills,’ Dines shared.
Community Businesses Step Up
Local businesses are also stepping up to offer their support. North County Coffee has announced that all proceeds from their Kalama and Lewisville locations will be directed to the impacted families over the weekend. Barista Kaci Huntington expressed the collective sentiment, saying, ‘We’re all a close-knit community here, and so it’s really sad; it affects everybody.’
In downtown Longview, Monica Endicott, who runs a barber shop frequented by mill workers, is offering a chance to win a free haircut and beard trim for anyone who donates to the relief efforts. ‘One thing about this community is that everyone jumps in,’ Endicott remarked, highlighting the community’s resilience and unity.
Industry and Community Support
The Northwest Pulp & Paper Association has extended its condolences to those affected, emphasizing solidarity with the Longview community. Additionally, restaurants are providing discounts to first responders, and a special account has been set up at Lower Columbia’s Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union to collect monetary donations for the families.
This collective effort underscores the strength and compassion of the Longview community as they navigate this difficult time together.
Original reporting: KGW Portland — read the source article.
