Press Release
From Walter McGregor, principal of Cascade High School.
Immediately after last week’s rain and windstorm left Vernonia under water again, your princpal leapt into action.
He organized a donation drive through the Cascade High School e-mail list, collecting water, food, clothing, blankets and cleaning supplies.
“I still know a lot of folks out there,” your principal said. “They’ve been through it before. And they’re getting through it. But it’s tough for some.”
Your principal is one of a handful of locals mobilizing to help storm victims. Gresham donated drinking water to Vernonia. And a local construction company, Bob & Bob Construction, donated equipment and manpower to Vernonia’s cleanup and repair efforts.
Brothers Bob and Bob Roberts, owners of Bob & Bob Construction, have performed work in the past for Vernonia. And when the storm hit, they wanted to show their appreciation. They sent out several dump trucks for the cleanup efforts, and a handful of workers to help get the city’s utilities back on line. The Roberts brothers made the resources available free of charge from Thursday through the weekend.
Several donation sites in Vernonia and at other sites in Columbia County have been designated to help Vernonia citizens recover from flood damage.
In Vernonia:
- Distribution Center, 998 Bridge St.
Aaccepting cleaning supplies, firewood and space heaters until 6 p.m. each day. - Lincoln Grade School, 1246 Bridge St.
Accepting furniture, toiletry items, approved clothing. - Vernonia Cares, 627 Adams St.
Accepting non-perishable food only.
Outside Vernonia:
- Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, 901 Port Ave., St. Helens
Accepting all items except perishable food and clothing. - Scappoose Fire District, 52751 Columbia River Hwy., Scappoose
Accepting all items except perishable foods.
Other ways to help: The Oregon Food Bank is accepting food donations at Oregon Food Bank. For a complete list, visit www.oregonfoodbank.org.