Care-N-Share

Compelled to help others.

Wherever there are people gathered in community, there will always be those who are less fortunate and in need of a helping hand. Compassion often moves us to help the down-and-out, and programs like the Bonners Ferry Care-N-Share picks up the torch to light the way.

Care-N-Share was founded 32 years ago by Linda Lederhos and has been helping people all year long, especially at Christmas time. In 2008 the organization gained 501(c)(3) non-profit status, and now your donations are tax deductible. Whenever we give to an organization like this, we feel good and understand that our donation is being used effectively. The amazing warmth we get in knowing the toys, gifts and money go to a great cause eclipses the small benefit we get back from the Federal government.

The focus of the program is to provide families in Boundary County a helping hand with toys and gifts during the Christmas season and beyond. So many times families that cannot afford to buy gifts can easily get down on themselves, and the mood may be one of sadness and lack. This program connects us easily with those who would treasure help during this time of year. We do not have to wonder who needs the help as each of the recipients in the program fill out applications and are screened by program director, Linda Lederhos. This ensures donations can be matched with those in greatest need and according to individual desires.

“This way we can match the gift with the person who wants it,” said Lederhos. “When a little boy gets a gift, we want to make sure it is not something he won't like, like a doll. Each request is hopefully matched with the appropriate gift.”

Often a person, family or business will make a donation to an entity, but then it is unclear where those funds or gifts go. We may then be cautious in giving. With this program you can rest assured that the donations go to help the needy in Boundary County all year long. Yes, Christmas is a huge time of the year for the program, but Care-N-Share also helps those in need due to domestic violence, job loss, loss due to a fire and many more situations.

When a community takes it upon itself to care for each person, the entire community thrives and feels good. In December the Bonners Ferry High School students presented a donation check to Care-N-Share for over $5000 during the Moose Madness event. Linda reports this was the biggest donation like that in the history of the organization, and she was totally blessed by the amazing gesture of kindness from the high school's young men and women. Also giving to the program over the years are the Border Patrol, the Forest Service, the Ministerial Association and countless other businesses and individuals.

Over the 32 years this organization has been in existence the donations have steadily increased, but the need is ever increasing as well. Folks who find themselves in need of assistance can call Linda directly at 208.290.1483 or write to Care-N-Share, 515014 Hwy. 95, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.

Other ways of obtaining help is to contact a local Bonners Ferry church and inquire about help there. Many of the local congregations work hand in hand with Care-N-Share. Some may ask, “What if I'm not a member of the church? Or, what if I don't go to church at all?” The answer is the same: Come and get help. Everyone at some point in his or her life will find himself or herself in a position to accept help from others. This is the beauty of organizations that live to serve others; they exist to do so and are only fulfilled when they give. The Bible even references this kind of generosity in the book of Acts 20:35 when the apostle Paul said, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

Whether you believe in the Bible or any certain faith, the resounding truth of this life is that when we are giving to others we become ourselves fulfilled. There is something inherently wonderful about knowing you have helped another human being. The principle of giving is found in every fabric of our society. Co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, said that his giving is what ensures his future success. Recently on a CBS news interview the show explored the plans the Gates family has in giving away $60 billion dollars, making them the most generous philanthropists in the world. Melinda Gates, Bill's wife, told reporter Scott Pelley, “Our belief is that all lives, no matter where they're lived on the globe, have equal value, all lives.”

We are all in this together, and when we take on the responsibility of giving then everyone can find value both in themselves and in those around them in the community. This year let's look for ways to stretch ourselves by giving and helping others in need in Boundary County.

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