Wahtonka added to Fire Relief sites; Elks closed to donations

Wahtonka Building Administrator Donna Sholtis and owners of Iron Fitness unloaded all of these donations on Tuesday, June 17 at the high school building, 3632 W. 10th St. It is the new site of a pick up and donation center for those affected by the Rowena Fire.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., June 18, 2025 — The Wahtonka High School is now a donation and pick up site for people affected by the Rowena Fire.

The blaze sparked off on Wednesday, June 11, destroyed 56 homes and damaged another 77 and community efforts to provide food, water and donations have been overflowing.

“I was here last night helping the people from Iron Fitness unload,” said Donna Sholtis, D21 administrator of the Wahtonka building and Principal of Innovations Academy. “The community is doing so much to help.”

The center is located in the room directly to the west of the front door entrance of the building. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Dalles Elks is also a pick up center for those needing supplies. However, it is no longer accepting donations.

“The community has been so generous and we are overflowing with donations,” said Robyn Conger. “We cannot accept any more donations at this time.  But we have food, clothes, pet food, bedding, linens, household items, toys and more for Pick Up.”

The Dalles Elks Lodge
2620 W. 2nd St., The Dalles | (541) 296-2258
Hours: Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Offering: Free items to those in need

Click here for a list of services and pick up sites for Rowena Fire victims.

If you would like to us to add your site or offering to our list, please email it to news@cccnews.com