The Season of Giving

Beyond the pristine lakes and mountains of northern Idaho, a number of people in the Kootenai County area would go without Christmas if it weren’t for the goodwill of several community nonprofit organizations.

Christmas decorations are in full swing. Everywhere you go, there are strings of lights, decorated trees, the annual Nutcracker performance, and the illuminated downtown boardwalk, among other displays of the season. On the radio, Internet and television, we are flooded with the images of families and friends gathering for the holidays.

But in the rush and bustle of the holidays, take a moment to see if there is a donation box for toys, coats, or drop a dollar or two into a Salvation Army red kettle. While we remember our family, friends and co-workers with gifts, let’s also honor the members of our community whom we don’t know through a donation of some kind.

Marine Toys for Tots

Look for Toys for Tots donation boxes at a number of area stores and municipal buildings. Remember the little ones, but don’t forget older kids too. There are drop off boxes at CDA Chamber of Commerce, Coeur d’Alene High School, School District office and police department, to name a few. For a full list of drop off locations, go to toysfortots.org and pick the state and county.

Coeur d’Alene Press: Christmas for All

The Coeur d’Alene Press’ annual Christmas Charity program is in its 30th year. Those who wish to contribute can do so by dropping off or mailing a monetary donation to Press Christmas for All, 201 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. That money is used to purchase gift cards to distribute to Kootenai residents who have submitted an application for assistance. Recipients include the elderly, disabled, mentally ill and families living at or below the poverty level. The gift card distribution will take place Dec. 17 and 18 at the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Training Campus.

The Salvation Army

In addition to their Red Kettle Campaign, where volunteers and workers proudly ring their jingle bells for donations, The Salvation Army is currently running their Clothe a Child program. Several staff reach out to area schools to identify the kids most in need of the program, and with parental permission volunteers take them shopping for $100 in new clothing.

If instead of money, you wish to give time, see if you can volunteer to be a shopper with one of the children. For more information, go to kroccda.org.

“(Volunteers) also spend some invaluable one-on-one time together, giving special attention to a child who may otherwise feel ‘invisible,’” said Christy Markham, director of development and marketing for The Salvation Army. “Many of our volunteers share that shopping with a child was the best part of their whole Christmas!”

Tesh

Tesh is a company that assists people with both mental and physical disabilities. People can donate in general to the organization or dedicate their donation to something specific, said Frances Huffman, CEO of Tesh Inc. They are currently in need of new plastic folding tables to replace some of their old ones. They are also raising money to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van. To make sure your donation goes to a specific area at Tesh, give them a call 208.765.5105.

Donations don’t have to be monetary and can come in the form of services or patronage. Tesh runs several businesses that specifically employ individuals with disabilities. They have a janitorial business and also a shredding business. They would be appreciative of auto services for their vehicles. They are also in need of a carpet extractor, which can be donated or purchased new for them. Honoring either of these businesses would be a benefit to their employees. For more information, visit teshinc.com.

Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County

The Boys and Girls Clubs has their Christmas for Kids program, which includes a party where every child leaves with a gift.

“We just want to be able to give every kid a gift to go home with no matter what their situation is,” said Tabitha Kraack, director of operations.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the program can adopt a family from the Boys and Girls Club and provide gifts for a particular family. To adopt a family, contact the organization at 208.457.9089.

Food Banks

Food banks may need more than just food. Make a call to your local food bank and see what else they might need. Coeur d’Alene food banks include Lake City Community Food Bank (lakecitycc.org) and Community Action Partnership (cap4action.org).

The organizations listed are just a few in Coeur d’Alene actively seeking donations. Some stand out more than others because their donation boxes are evident. But even making a phone call to that organization that you pass on the street is welcomed. Anything helps. So let’s stretch our generosity further and maybe even cut back on our personal gift budget to give a little extra to those who have less than us.

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