Help Joe preserve Mt. St. Helens Artifacts and human history

My name is Joe Bongiovanni and I am currently working on a life mission. On May 18, 1980, the United States experienced the largest volcanic eruption in its history at Mount St. Helens. It changed the lives of people in the Pacific Northwest forever. In the 44 years that followed, numerous education centers were established to tell the story of the eruption. They discuss volcanology, geology and environmental recovery. Very valid topics. However, there were 57 victims. Countless lives affected in surrounding communities. In short, I put faces and stories to the names on the memorial plaque. I am the curator at North Fork Survivors in Toutle, Washington and I have the worlds largest collection of original artifacts collected from the blast zone of Mount St. Helens. These one of a kind items were collected between 1980 and 1981. They have been not seen by the general public in 44 years. My team and I have completed research on these items and have learned the stories that they tell. We also know the people that many of these items belonged to. Their stories should be shared with the world to educate and inspire the next generations. I have vehicles, clothing, camping equipment, original drawings, letters and many other items. People represented in this collection include, Harry R. Truman, Reid Blackburn, Robert Landsburg, Harold Kirkpatrick, Joyce Kirkpatrick, Arlene Edwards and Jolene Edwards. The photo connected to this fundraiser is of a recovered 1969 Volvo 144s. It belonged to Colombian Photographer, Reid Blackburn. This car was thought to have been scrapped in 1981. It was lost to history. I found his car on a private property 1.5 years ago and recovered it for preservation. Mr. Blackburn is the inspiration for this project. He worked at Coldwater One Observation Point and lost his life there while doing his job. Prior to the eruption, Mr. Blackburn would stop at schools to educate children. Tell them of the work being conducted at the mountain. He is still doing that today. Are you really gone if you are not forgotten? This collection needs to be preserved for the future. The owner of North Fork Survivors has been gracious in helping house and present these items. I covered the bulk of the cost of recovery and preservation. This is where the problem arises. I cannot do this alone. It takes a community to build something special for the future and this is where I am forced to ask for help. These items do not belong to me. They belong to everyone. I am currently the caretaker and it is my responsibility to ensure that this collection is preserved for the future. It cannot disappear into the archives of a state or federal institution. It has to be maintained in a way that makes it available to anyone who wishes to learn about this unique moment in American History. The funds being raised are being collected to save the vehicles that are stored outside on the property. Create proper storage and create a display area for public access. This is not a cheap project and I am eternally grateful for any help that can be given. I understand that times are tough. We all feel it. I also feel that I cannot let an amazing collection like this be lost. I thank you for your time in reading this. Best wishes. Joe.