ELK, Wash. — Over 100 people showed up for a seed and plant giveaway arranged to help victims of the fire in Elk that burned more than 125 homes.
Cheryl Joy began collecting seeds a week after the fire broke out more than eight months ago. She wanted to make a difference and help give back to her neighbors.
“Even if ten people show up, that’s ten people that I helped,” Joy said.
“it makes me feel good, and that’s why I do it. And that’s why all these people do it.”
The event benefited those who lost their homes, including Pamela Smiley.
“We went back to see what was left, nothing. The house, the outbuilding, three fifth wheels, 37 acres… toast,” Smiley said.
Smiley was unsure whether she was going to rebuild or move, and she said events like today show her just how special this town is.
“Prior to all of this happening, if the house would have burnt down, I would have said, I’m out of here. We have lived here for 33 years and have developed more friendships, more relations, more communication in the last ten months than we did in 33 years,” Smiley said.
Smiley’s decision to rebuild came down to wanting to stay in a community that did so much for her.
“We are going to rebuild. We wouldn’t miss this community for anything. I had no idea how giving and caring the community was, but they have been,” Smiley said.
Helping give back left a mark not only on those Joy had helped but on herself.
“You can feel the love. It’s been awesome. And I do it for selfish reasons. I do it because it makes me feel good,” Joy said.
