<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Macey Blackwell, 5, browses the "My Little Pony" book section Tuesday at Hastings Books in Coeur d'Alene as she shops for books to purchase for other children in the community. A number of children took part in an event designed to teach them the true meaning of holiday giving. All of the purchased books will be donated to Books For Tots.</p>

<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Savannah Gillham, 14, meticulously prunes a poinsettia plant Friday in the New Visions High School greenhouse in Post Falls. Students have worked in ÒThe Seeds of Change GreenhouseÓ during an elective class that covers small business concepts such as business writing, market research, plant biology, facility maintenance, teamwork, problem solving, book keeping, greenhouse pest management, strategizing, and advertising. Plants will be on sale for the 18th annual poinsettia sale at the school at 205 W. Mullan Ave. beginning Tuesday from 12:30 until …

<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien takes a moment to pose with J.J. Douglas, 5, during a toy drive Wednesday for the Mark Rypien Foundation at Zi Spa in Coeur d'Alene. The Mark Rypien Foundation supports families with children who suffer from cancer in the Inland Northwest. After losing his three year old son to cancer, Mark and his family experienced first-hand what families go through when fighting this potentially deadly disease, and recognized the value that quality care can bring to both patient and family.</p>

<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Dona Miller, the regional manager of Mountain West Bank, browses the bake sale selection Friday at the Kathleen Avenue branch of Mountain West Bank in Coeur d'Alene. Clients, employee and local bakeries donated items to raise funds for the Community Action Partnership food bank.</p>