Seahawks and Volunteers Rebuild Flooded Washington Farm

When floodwaters rose to her knees in just 15 minutes, Ashlee Staub knew her family's farm in Snohomish County was in trouble. She evacuated people and animals from Farmer Frog, the nonprofit farm that provides fresh produce to underserved communities and teaches kids about sustainable agriculture.

Nearly four weeks after December's historic flooding devastated Washington, parts of Staub's land still sit underwater. But help arrived in a big way when Seattle Seahawks volunteers, including legend Norm Johnson, teamed up with People Come First Construction Group to clear debris and start the long road to recovery.

The damage went deeper than anyone could see. Toxic materials and waste contaminated hundreds of acres along the river, forcing Staub to assume everything planted was lost. For a farm that serves communities who need it most, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Rob Greaves, founder of PCF Construction Group, understood immediately what was at risk. "The floodwaters didn't just damage property, they threatened their entire mission," he said after walking the land. His company, a Hawks Huddle member representing small Pacific Northwest businesses, quickly mobilized equipment and resources.

"Supporting our community during disasters isn't just the right thing to do, it's core to who we are," Greaves explained. After 18 years building his company in the region, showing up for neighbors felt like the only option.

The Ripple Effect

Volunteers across the county used their personal vehicles to haul supplies and remove debris from farm sites. Safeway stepped in with gas cards through Farmer Frog to help cover those expenses, turning individual acts of service into organized relief.

Starting January 20, the Washington Farmland Trust will offer micro-grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to affected farmers. Executive Director Melissa Campbell sees this as just the beginning of long-term support. "Climate disasters aren't going away and will likely continue to worsen," she said. "We plan to be there every step of the way for the land and the people who grow our food."

For Staub, watching volunteers arrive week after week proves what she's always believed. "Volunteers are the ones that hold us when times are hard," she said. "With help from volunteers, nonprofits like ours can make bigger ripples of support to the community."

The farm that feeds hungry families will grow food again, thanks to neighbors who refused to let disaster have the final word.