STCU Efforts Provide More Than $500,000 for Fire Response

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 27, 2026

STCU branch reader boards and digital screens carry messages of community support, in response to wildfires that have burned more than 900 structures

Since the August wildfires devastated portions of north Spokane and surrounding areas, STCU members, employees, and others have responded generously to the credit union’s appeal for support for fire victims.

The result, when combined with direct contributions from STCU and its foundation, is more than $500,000 in community support. The effort is ongoing as STCU continues to look for ways to support the community while encouraging others to do the same. The credit union has made similar efforts following other devastating fires.

“While hundreds of families have lost homes to the fires, many throughout the community are grieving the loss, and seeking ways to help,” said Traci McGlathery, STCU Chief Impact and Advocacy Officer. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support from near and far.”

Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund

In less than two weeks since STCU sent out its first appeal, 382 individuals have made donations ranging from $5 to $50,000 to STCU’s Here for Good Foundation. STCU had pledged to match the first $100,000 in donations, bringing the combined total to $325,117, as of Aug. 19. That money goes to Innovia Foundation’s Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund, which provides direct support to community organizations involved in fire relief and recovery efforts.

Help2NW Fund

More than 300 individuals have donated $100,000 through STCU online banking and in STCU branches to the STCU Help2NW account, a collaboration between STCU and KREM 2 News. Those funds support the American Red Cross to help in fire impacted areas across the state, including the Kaiser Canyon, Modrite, and Sinlahekin fires in north-central Washington.

STCU additional giving

In addition to the funds listed above, STCU and STCU’s Here for Good Foundation has directly donated:

• $10,000 to the American Red Cross for statewide wildfire support
• $10,000 to the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund
• $10,000 to Innovia’s Tribal Neighbors Wildfire Relief Partnership Fund, in response to fires on tribal lands in north-central Washington
• $10,000 to Oregon Community Foundation’s Disaster Response and Readiness Fund, supporting nonprofits and local fire agencies in Eastern Oregon
• $10,000 to Spokane Fire District 9 for thermal imaging cameras used for detecting hot spots
• $11,000 to Spokane Fire Department for wildland fire frequency radios
• $24,000 to the Nine Mile Falls School District to purchase “Nine Mile Strong” T-shirts as students and staff prepare to return to school

Assisting members and employees

Among the employees helping with STCU’s fire response are nearly 100 who were forced to evacuate their homes on Aug. 1. A handful have been unable to return to their homes, yet continue to work. STCU has assisted affected employees as they work through the impacts of the wildfires.

Three STCU branch locations that were inside evacuation areas have since reopened. That includes the Indian Trail Branch, serving a neighborhood that suffered some of the worst fire losses.

As in previous years when fires destroyed homes, STCU staff are helping members cope with the financial and emotional impact. Disaster relief loans are available for existing members, as well as deferred loan payments and other tools offering short-term financial relief for those in need.

Posted in Community Impact, Regional Member News, Washington.