SPOKANE, Wash. — A Virginia-based humanitarian organization is bringing relief to Spokane-area families displaced by recent wildfires through a massive meal distribution effort.
Mercy Chefs arrived in the region two days ago to support residents and first responders affected by the devastating fires around Nine Mile Falls. The organization specializes in providing high-quality, nutritious meals to people impacted by natural disasters and emergency situations.
“We’ve been able to feed almost 1,000 individuals from the devastating fires around this area,” said Molly MacDonald, volunteer manager for Mercy Chefs.
The operation is centered at Lakeside High School, where volunteers are assembling hundreds of meals daily to distribute to families in need. The work is straightforward but critical: volunteers scoop food into containers, box the meals, and prepare them for distribution to community members.
“We’re here to feed volunteers, first responders and anyone who has really been affected by any of these disasters,” MacDonald said.
The community response has been overwhelming, according to Mercy Chefs leadership. Volunteers and residents are stepping up to help prepare and serve meals, creating a collaborative effort to support their neighbors during a difficult time.
The community response has been overwhelming, with volunteers and residents stepping up to help prepare and serve meals. Jacob Smith, a high school volunteer helping with meal preparation, described his motivation for getting involved.
“I couldn’t imagine being in the position of people that lost their houses in the fire, lost some people. And it’s great to serve people that need it,” Smith said.
Mercy Chefs is operating two pick-up locations for families seeking assistance: Lakeside High School, open until 6 p.m., and Nine Mile Falls Elementary School, open until 1 p.m. The organization plans to continue its operations through the end of the week and into the following week, ensuring sustained support for affected residents.
According to Mercy Chefs leadership, watching strangers come together to help their neighbors during this time of need has been wonderful to witness.
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