Good morning, Spokane.

Soccer coaches Natalie Middleton and Jordan Chester launched Play On Spokane to collect sports gear for students displaced by local fires.

The initiative builds custom equipment bags for each athlete and will host donation drives Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 — details will be shared on Instagram.

Housing advocates and property management companies are supporting tenants displaced by the fires with rehousing and legal help.

The KCBA Housing Justice Project connects vulnerable residents (including single parents and seniors) to rental assistance and offers a hotline at 509-214-6266.

Local organizers have set up a sports equipment drive to help children who lost their belongings in the recent Spokane fires.

Donations of gently used gear are welcome from neighbors throughout the community.

Greater Spokane Churches is launching a Disaster Assistance Center at Family of Faith Community Church, 1504 W.

Grace Ave to support fire survivors with trained volunteers offering emotional backup, emergency financial help, and spiritual support from today through Tuesday, Aug. 25 (registration with ID and a recent bill is required).

More than 700 families affected by wildfires can apply for financial help from American Red Cross, Washington Emergency Management Division, and Tzu Chi.

Red Cross accepts applications until Aug. 30 and Tzu Chi volunteers will assist with registration at Shadle Park High School on Aug. 22 and 23.

Parts of Westgate Park remain closed as officials work to rebuild community spaces after the Old Trails Fire damaged trees, the playground, and horseshoe pits.

A playground renovation set to begin this fall will use funds from the Together Spokane Levy + FEMA assistance to help restore the park.

State officials confirmed the emerald ash borer in southern Washington after two drivers spotted the insect on their windshield early August.

The department imposed a firewood quarantine + launched online resources to slow the spread of the pest that threatens ash trees statewide.

EPA officials are in Spokane today to evaluate areas burned by recent wildfires; they will conduct tests to assess local air and water safety.

A wildland fire called Spring Creek Fire burned 8 acres northwest of Airway Heights and led officials to issue a Level 3 evacuation order that was later downgraded to Level 2, according to SREC; the evacuation zone covers roads from West Euclid Road to North Wood Road.

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced nearly $17 billion was added to its contract with Oracle Health for a computer system first launched in Spokane in 2020.

The update adds three option years so the deal will run through May 2031 (bringing the total value to nearly $27 billion).

The Spokane County Master Gardener Foundation is holding its annual bulb sale now through Sept.

18, offering over 50 unique varieties to brighten spring blooms. Orders are online and bulbs will be ready for pickup Oct. 17 at the WSU Spokane County Extension Office (222 N. Havana St.).

The Boulevard Race will take place Sunday, Sept.

20 in Spokane’s University District and now costs $25 following recent fires. The race offers new shirts, a poster highlighting Spokane, free doughnuts and fun themed zones (sponsored by local organizers) while benefiting the Community Cancer Fund.