From farmers market stands to restaurants and coffee shops, Southwest Washington businesses are stepping up to help affected families.
Longview, Washington— Fatal mill implosion The events in Longview are sending shockwaves throughout Southwest Washington. On Thursday, the community was only beginning to understand the full scope of the tragedy. Several people KGW staff spoke to said families were notified Thursday morning that their loved ones had been killed in the blast.
“I cried; my husband worked there for 10 years … so he knew a lot of the people and families that were involved and felt really close,” Lindsay Dines said. Her husband was at the factory during Tuesday’s deadly implosion.
“He was just a stone’s throw away from where it happened. He just sent me a picture of the scene on the hood of the car and it looked like a bomb went off,” Deans said.
Deans operates a mobile lemonade trailer. Half of the proceeds from her Cowlitz Community Farmers Market this weekend will be donated to families who have lost loved ones.
“I can’t even imagine what these families are going through and I think the last thing they care about is how to pay their bills,” Deans said.
At North County Coffee, all proceeds from the Kalama and Lewisville locations Friday through Sunday will be donated to affected families.
“We’re all a close-knit community here, so it’s really sad; it affects everyone… it’s the least we can do. I can’t imagine what they and their families are going through,” said barista Kaci Huntington.
Monica Endicott, who runs a barbershop in downtown Longview, said many of her clients are factory workers.
“One of the things about this community is that everyone is involved,” Endicott said.
Anyone who shows proof of a donation to the fundraiser has a chance to win a free haircut and beard trim at her Classic Barbering by Monica store.
“It’s shocking, it’s devastating, but I think the little silver lining in all of this is the way that everyone has come together,” Endicott said.
The Northwest Pulp and Paper Association issued its condolences:
“As representatives of the pulp and paper industry, we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this week’s tragedy in Longview. In particular, our hearts go out to the families of the victims and those injured. We also extend our support to all mill workers and AWPPW union members affected by this tragedy. Our solidarity with the entire Longview community who have passionately rallied around all those affected during this difficult time.”
Some restaurants are offering discounts to first responders and at lower columbia longshoremen federal credit union Donations are accepted for affected families.
