By FāVS News Staff
Eastern Washington
Community partners to host wildfire relief meal and produce distribution Friday in Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. — A coalition of Spokane community organizations and local businesses will host a wildfire relief meal and produce distribution on Aug. 7 to support residents affected by recent wildfires. The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. Participants can receive prepared meals, fresh produce, salads and vegetarian options on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The effort is a collaboration between the Spokane Buddhist Temple, The Family Guide, Spokane United We Stand, Mission Meadows Community Garden, Millwood Impact, Western Farms of Idaho, Charlie’s Produce, Eggers Southhill, Coffman Engineers and Island Style BBQ.
IRC Spokane expands wildfire response to support refugees, immigrants and the wider community
SPOKANE, Wash. — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Spokane has expanded its emergency response efforts to assist refugee and immigrant families, while also supporting a wide variety of Spokane residents affected by the ongoing wildfires. Known for its expertise in emergency response and critical stabilization, IRC is providing multilingual evacuation updates and emergency resources in 10 languages while directing families to official Spokane County information.
Staff have already contacted more than 100 families in impacted areas to assess safety and urgent needs, with outreach continuing throughout the week. Mobile teams will deliver direct assistance, interpretation and recovery support for evacuees. IRC is also distributing masks, promoting DIY air purifiers to reduce smoke exposure and helping residents prepare for possible evacuations. The organization remains committed to supporting the broader community through response, recovery and long-term rebuilding efforts.
Washington Attorney General urges safe giving for Spokane wildfire relief
SPOKANE, Wash. — As donations pour in for Spokane wildfire recovery, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is urging residents to give wisely and support reputable charities. Brown encouraged Washingtonians to research organizations at Washington’s Secretary of State website before donating and to be wary of high-pressure fundraising tactics, fraudulent charities, fake websites and suspicious QR codes. The Attorney General’s Office also advises caution when contributing through crowdfunding platforms, noting that donations go directly to organizers and are not subject to the same oversight as registered charities. Donors are encouraged to support verified organizations, including the City of Spokane’s H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund, and to report suspicious solicitations or potential scams to the Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division.
Churches rally in prayer and relief as Spokane wildfires devastate communities
As catastrophic wildfires continue to devastate the Spokane region, the Catholic Church is responding with prayer, solidarity and relief efforts. Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane urged the faithful to pray for displaced families, first responders and volunteers, emphasizing that Christ remains a source of hope amid tragedy. He encouraged residents to follow evacuation orders, care for vulnerable neighbors and support one another through compassion and generosity. The Archdiocese of Seattle has appealed for donations to the Catholic Charities Eastern Washington wildfire relief fund to assist affected families. The Diocese of Spokane also shared a poignant image of a Marian statue standing amid the ruins of a burned home, describing it as a powerful symbol that faith, hope and love endure even as fires consume homes and forests.
Western Washington
Mother marks anniversary of son’s murder outside Seattle church, pleads for justice
One year after 28-year-old LeBron “Givaun” Castleberry was fatally ambushed outside Pursuit Northwest Church in Seattle’s University District, his mother, Lynn Croft, is still seeking justice. Castleberry was shot on July 31, 2025, as he arrived with his wife and young son for a church event. Surveillance captured a masked gunman exiting a Hyundai Elantra before opening fire; the vehicle was later found burned. Police say the attack was unrelated to the nearby University of Washington. Croft believes gangs targeted her son despite his efforts to leave that life behind through faith, marriage and family. She urged Seattle residents to share information and help end violence by coming forward with any credible leads for investigators.
Idaho
Boise community invited to ‘Back to School Sunday’ featuring Superintendent Wendy Johnson
BOISE, Idaho — The community is invited to attend Back to School Sunday at Boise First United Church of Christ on Aug. 9 at 10 a.m., celebrating the start of the school year with hope, encouragement and community. Boise School District Superintendent Wendy Johnson will join the Rev. Josh Lee for a conversation about her vision for the district, her Idaho roots and her commitment to inclusion and accessibility. The service will also include a backpack blessing and recognition of educators and those who work with children. Open to everyone regardless of church affiliation, the event aims to encourage students, support educators and strengthen community connections ahead of the new school year.
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