JOHN DAY — Only two weeks ago, the Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds was filled with vendors’ booths as part of the Grant County Fair.

Now, it is filled with clothing, toiletries, canned foods, bottled water, pet food — donations from near and far to help those who have lost everything.

With such speed and fury, the Canyon Creek Complex fire streaked through the canyon, engulfing homes and structures in its path. More than 200 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, leaving all their belongings behind.

As soon as people heard about the disaster, donations began coming in. Fair Manager Mary Weaver opened the pavilion to collect the deliveries from citizens and businesses.

The donations came from as far as Oregon City and also included items from Wheeler and Crook counties, Union and Pendleton. Local businesses helping out included Chester’s Thriftway and Muzzy’s 1-2-3.

“I have a list of 23 names of people who lost their homes,” Weaver said. “I hear that more are coming in.”

So many items have been donated that Weaver is trying to slow that flow. She also has stopped accepting donations of used clothing. However, monetary donations, in the form of gift cards and prepaid credit cards, are welcome.

Other items most needed are:

• Batteries

• Flashlights

• Generators or use of a generator

• Heavy duty exterior electric cords

• Snacks and food that can be eaten within a day. Donations of frozen food are difficult to store, but Weaver is trying to find more freezer space.

• Laundry detergent

The Pavilion is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for those who need assistance and those who want to donate. Weaver said she hopes to find enough volunteers to keep the Pavilion open on weekends.

When no one is there, a contact phone number will be posted on the door, Weaver said.

Those wishing to make donations should call the fairgrounds’ main number, 541-575-1900, before dropping by, Weaver said.

Anybody who has been displaced because of the fire will be assisted. Those who lost their homes will be able to access the monetary donations from a fund being established at the Old West Federal Credit Union.

“We are compiling lists of people and their needs. We are working with the sheriff’s office and the police department,” Weaver said.

Some people may not want to ask for help because they feel it is a “hand out,” Weaver said.

“But people want to donate,” she added. “It’s as important to people doing the giving as it is to those who are receiving.”