COEUR d'ALENE - Costco employees took a challenge to heart.

The result?

A donation of $98,883 to United Way of Kootenai County.

"It's pretty amazing," said Caryl Johnston, executive director of the nonprofit based in Coeur d'Alene.

She said it was the United Way's top company donation.

"Just to know the employees of Costco rally around United Way and the community as a whole is just terrific," Johnston said Wednesday.

Huong Mathews, Costco ad manager, said their 250 employees at the Coeur d'Alene store were challenged to get involved in the fundraising effort. They were asked to think about what they had - job, health and home - and consider what they could do for others not as fortunate.

Most answered the call and made sacrifices so they could contribute and "put something on the table for somebody else."

The idea of giving to United Way was a hit.

"They're a great organization. They help everybody," Mathews said. "If anybody has a problem or an issue in their life or with their family, they contribute to all of those different kinds of people. It's wonderful to have a network like that, that would take care of the entire community."

For each dollar employees donated, the Costco corporation gave 50 cents.

Johnston said the majority of the donation will go into United Way's community care fund. That money is in turn given as grants to local agencies. Some of the donations are designated for specific grants.

Either way, it goes to a good cause.

Last year, grants went to more than 20 agencies for basic needs including housing, food, education and health care for seniors and children.

"The need is so great this year," Johnston said.

Mathews said Costco is already planning to donate even more next year.

"It's cool to be able to put your money out there and know somebody's helping you give to the people who need it the most," she said.