POST FALLS - Enough funding has been raised to honor local troops with commemorative Buck knives.

Donors, which included residents from throughout North Idaho and even some from out of state, gave $11,500 for the month-long project organized by the cities of Post Falls and Lewiston, Buck Knives and The Press.

A total of 277 soldiers who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan will receive a knife with their rank, name and unit engraved during ceremonies involving Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin and Lewiston Mayor Kevin Poole in early January.

"The community has been very generous," Larkin said. "It's a nice gesture. Our soldiers will be happy. It's a small token for our appreciation.

"This is our opportunity to honor and recognize our citizen soldiers and their families for the sacrifices they have made for our county."

Those who donated to the project will be listed on a plaque that will be displayed at the armories in Post Falls and Lewiston.

Buck Knives is donating the cost of the engraving and offering a discount on the knives.

A similar drive honoring local National Guard troops returning from Iraq with a Buck knife was held in 2005. Local veteran Graham Crutchfield led that charge. Crutchfield will be honored for pioneering the effort.

Idaho Army National Guard soldiers attached to the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team returned last month from the latest deployment to Iraq.

The unit, which included about 1,500 soldiers from Idaho, 600 from Montana and 600 from Oregon, completed a year-long deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.