06/06/2026
We are gathered here to celebrate the spirit of Hoquiam—a city defined by its resilient people, its deep community roots, and its unwavering care for the next generation. Today, the MY TOWN Coalition is incredibly proud to honor a group that embodies this spirit perfectly: Boots for Bears.It all started simply with a big idea and a single school in our town. Since then, the founding team—Stephanie Reime, Cynthia McMillan Robert Reime, Kjersten Kellog, Paul McMillan, Nikki Elledge, and Becky Root—along with volunteers like Savana Larsson and Kami Sauer, transformed a compassionate thought into an unstoppable movement.Boots for Bears does so much more than provide boots and shoes. When tragedy strikes—like a house fire or sudden foster placement—they are the first to step in. They provide coats, clothing, hygiene supplies, and emergency support to ensure no child misses school due to a lack of basic necessities. By stepping up, they allow our kids to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and just being kids. This journey is a testament to the generosity of the Grays Harbor community. Through Their Annual Paper Airplane Fly in Fundraiser and partnerships with local businesses, Boots for Bears has grown to serve all schools in Hoquiam, the Wishkah School District, Headstart, Pacific Beach Elementary, and A.J. West in Aberdeen. They show us all that true community leadership is about rolling up your sleeves, identifying a need, and taking action to ensure our youth feel supported, confident, and ready to learn. Boots for Bears, on behalf of the MY TOWN Coalition, thank you for your vision, your big hearts, and your relentless dedication to the children of Hoquiam. You are true Hoquiam Heroes.
