Staff Writer

Bonners Ferry's food bank served more people in 2007 than any of the previous 10 years.

"We had a high demand," said Christine Villanueva, service coordinator and family development specialist for Community Action Partnership's food bank, which serves about 50 families weekly with perishable items.

"It's not just the low class," Villanueva continued. "Since there is so many extra expenses, we are seeing more middle class people than before."

For Christmas, the food bank made 25 more food baskets than normal.

"The community came in very well for us," Villanueva said.

A non-profit organization, the food bank relies primarily on donations. Bonners Ferry Safeway gives bread, dairy products and other perishables three times a week. Families can get food once a week.

Families also can receive up to three emergency food baskets a year, depending on need. Community Action Partnership provides about 75 boxes of food a month to families; usually these families are different each month.

"I saw a lot more people this year doing food drives and donating," said Villanueva. " I think this has a lot to do with the Horizon Project."

The Horizon Project is a state-funded program attempting to get the community involved in reducing poverty in Boundary County and making it a better place to live.

Community Action Partnership also expects to help 400 families pay heating bills from Nov. 1 and March 31.

This year the agency plans to collaborate with the Church of Nazarene to start carrying clothing. They will accept new or gently used clothes.

"We want to be able to give something nice to the families," said Villanueva. "There used to be a program at a thrift store that provided clothing to families, but they don't do that anymore."

Community Action Partnership is also accepting donations, including household items, for the Elsberry family. The Elsberrys on Dec. 14 lost their Curley Creek home and everything in it due a house fire, which took the life of a teenage girl.

Whatever is left over will be saved for another family crisis.

"I am very thankful for all the community support. We couldn't do this without it," said Villanueva. "A lot of times people forget to donate after Christmas, but there is always a tomorrow."

Donations can be made directly at 6811 S. Main St., Suite 10, Bonners Ferry, or by contacting Villanueva at 267-3663.