Due to the record breaking major flooding of the rivers, most notably the Chehalis River, there are many farmers who are looking to Olympia for Help. Some of the affected farmers are the local farms that supply the Olympia Farmer's Market, Olympia Co-op and other local business, have lost everything. They have lost their storage food, tractors, houses, etc.""

The flood waters are receeding and the farmers are picking up and cleaning up. They need help! First, the flood waters have contaminated wells, left a thick mud like residue on everything. As it is drying it is becoming like clay. Second, they need people who are able to be self sufficient (bring warm clothes, change of clothes to get back in the car, dress warm, boots (a must) to go down and help. There is no drinking water or warm places to go.

If you cannot attend a work party there are several other ways you can help. Monetary donations are being accepted. Please stay tuned and I'll update this when I have an olympia Place that is accepting Monetary donations.

There are several work parties that are set up to help these farmers.

Boitsfort Valley Farm has lost everything: Food, they have a baby, 9 month clothes, warm winter clothes for the family, flat shovels, shovels, any tool, water, water containers, bleach, sanitizing wipes. These donations can be dropped off at the carpool site for delivery on Sunday, December 9 at the Chevron on Plum and Union.

Boitsfort Valley Farm: Owner's Mike and Heidi Peroni. When: Sunday, December 9, 2007

Where: Carpools leave Plum and Union Chevron at 9:45. The drive will be about an hour b/c of roads.

What you need to bring: Dress warmly! Drinking water (about a gallon for yourself), change of clothes to get back in the car. Boots! This is not a kid friendly event. The septic systems and many dead animals floating in the river have created a "toxic" mud.

Rising River Farm: Owner's Jim Mcginn and Jennifer Belknap. They have their house but outbuildings are a mess. Everyday until it is cleaned up. Call 360-273-1586 (Note this is an alternate phone number for them then what is on their website). They are looking for groups of 4-5 people a day. If you have a truck that can haul dirty stuff to the Rochester dumpsters that will be greatly appreciated too.

What to Bring: Dress warmly! Drinking water (about a gallon for yourself), change of clothes to get back in the car. Boots! This is not a kid friendly event. The septic systems overflowing and many dead animals floating in the river have created a "toxic" mud.

There are more farmers that have been affected and more posts will be coming out. This is just the first two farms that have put out an organized call for help. More help will be needed in the next week as the farmers are digging out.

The farmers do need help. If you are planning on going down to a farm PLEASE be advised that you need to bring your own food, water, warm clothes, and BOOTS! All help and support is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!! There will be more posts as more information comes out.