How to help Longview community after deadly paper mill implosion

After news broke of Tuesday's deadly implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., Fei Chen knew she wanted to help the families of those killed - some of whom were regulars at her restaurant across the street from the pulp mill.

Chen, who immigrated to Longview over 30 years ago, owns and runs Fei's Carriage Restaurant & Lounge just off Washington Way and Highway 432. She recognized some of the workers who died in the chemical tank implosion as longtime customers who sometimes came in with their families.

Chen is among a growing group of people in Longview and beyond helping those affected by the industrial disaster. She is hosting a car wash outside her restaurant from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (it ran Friday, too), and donating 100% of profits to the victims' families.

"The community supports me, Chen said. "I want to support them back."

Below are more ways you can help.

Relief fund

The Lower Columbia Longshoremen's Federal Credit Union in Longview is accepting donations to a relief fund for the families of those killed. The fund was established by the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council and the Longview/Kelso Building Trades Council.

Donations can be made by check, payable to "Cowlitz Wahkiakum Central Labor Council" or "CWCLC" and delivered in person or mailed to the credit union's main branch at 629 14th Ave., Longview, WA 98632. The bank is not currently accepting online donations.

Two Longview-based banks, Fibre Federal Credit Union and Red Canoe Credit Union, are collecting donations for the fund at all of their branches. Fibre Federal members can also contribute by using the bank's mobile app and transferring funds to "788370-02-Community."

The mill workers union, the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Local 153, will distribute the funds.

Family fundraisers

Jared Ammons

Donate to a meal train or online fundraiser for the family of Jared Ammons, who shared two children and was expecting a third with his wife, Mackenzie. His death "has left an unimaginable hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him," the fundraiser states.

Jeremy Cochran

Donate to an online fundraiser supporting Jeremy Cochran's family, who called his death the "most unimaginable tragedy." Cochran had an "intricate, soft, peaceful" soul, and was someone who went out of his way to help others. He loved art and design and going on hikes with his dog, Bailor, according to the fundraiser.

CJ Doran

Donate to an online fundraiser for CJ Doran's wife, Alisa, or a meal train for his parents and other family members. Doran, 26, was a "selfless and deeply caring person," whose death left his wife and family "grieving a heartbreaking loss that no one should have to endure," the fundraiser states.

Braydon Finkas

Donate to one of two online fundraisers - here and here - supporting Braydon Finkas' partner, Kaitlyn. Finkas, a Nippon electrician, was famous for his brisket, sense of humor and "always pitching in to help." He loved the Seattle Seahawks and cooking was his "love language," according to the fundraisers.

John Forsberg

Donate to an online fundraiser for John Forsberg's son and daughter as they "grieve the loss of their dad." Proceeds will go toward a memorial, emergency expenses and supporting Forsberg's children as they "navigate a future without their father," the fundraiser states.

Tyler and Brad Covington

Donate to two online fundraisers - here and here - supporting the families of brothers Tyler and Brad Covington. Contributions will help the brothers' parents pay for funeral and other expenses after the "tragic loss of their two boys." Donations will also support Tyler King's partner, Kenzi, and their three children, who "were his entire world," the fundraisers state.

Dale Miller:

Donate to an online fundraiser for Dale Miller created by his sister, Sarah. Her eldest brother lived with and financially supported their mother, and contributions will go toward helping her "have one less worry," the fundraiser states.

Dillon Miller

Donate to a meal train for Dillon Miller's family, who are experiencing something "no family should ever have to face." Miller shared three daughters with his partner, Ana. The couple planned to marry this fall, according to their wedding website.

Fundraising events

Nippon Family Fundraiser

Join a community barbecue with live music on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Bob's Sporting Goods in Longview. Attendees are encouraged to "pay what (they) can, will all proceeds going to the relief fund at Lower Columbia Longshoremen's Federal Credit Union. The lot is at 1111 Hudson St.

Shamrock Bar and Grill Fundraiser

Longview's Shamrock Bar and Grill will donate 20% of gross sales on June 7 to the relief fund at Lower Columbia Longshoremen's Federal Credit Union. The bar, at 1131 15th Ave., is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Seattle Times staff reporter Shauna Sowersby contributed to this report.

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