COEUR d'ALENE - It's a record worth boasting with a giant check.

US Bank donated $98,869 to United Way of Kootenai County on Friday, the largest contribution that county branches have offered to the nonprofit over several years of annual contributions.

"I think the (size) of the need touched the hearts of a lot of employees," said Scott Tostengard, vice president of operations. "They see their neighbors and family members struggling in different ways and were willing to step up."

The donations were raised among the roughly 560 employees at local US Bank locations, Tostengard said. Dollars were netted through office fundraisers, as well as payroll deductions matched by the company.

"The bank has always had a deep loyalty to United Way," Tostengard said.

Bank employees also donated several thousand pounds of food to local food banks this year, he added.

United Way will pass the company's donation on to myriad charities, said Executive Director Caryl Johnston, promising that all the dollars will stay in the area.

A portion will go toward food banks, soup kitchens and shelters, she said. The dollars will also go to help low-income folks access health care, she said.

Some folks can't even afford the $25 service fee at Dirne Community Health Center, Johnston pointed out.

"That $25 can be a barrier for some people, choosing between food on the table or shoes on their kids' feet," she said.

Some of the donation will also be given to organizations that promote children's safety and academic success, she said, like Court Appointed Special Advocates and Idaho Drug Free Youth.

United Way acts as the conveyor of contributions to organizations, Johnston said, so "we're all working together to solve the issues in our community."

The nonprofit is grateful for the generosity of U.S. Bank employees, she added.

"They really make giving through United Way a priority," Johnston said. "They know it will help the most people in the community."