North Valley Eagles Aerie 4081 of Columbia Falls took a look at today’s economy and decided to give generously to local charities.

How generously?

The club just handed out a total of $59,000 to nine organizations.

“This is what we saved up,” club President Dave Beranek said simply.

At a Sept. 22 meeting, the membership discussed the hard economic times and how this had adversely impacted charities that serve people in need. Checks were given Oct. 1 to:

 Columbia Falls Food Bank

 Columbia Falls Boys and Girls Club

 North Valley Search and Rescue

 Montana Wounded Warriors of the Flathead Valley

 Wings

 Christian Lighthouse Home

 Project Hope

 Ray of Hope

 Northwest Montana Veterans Food Bank

Eagles Secretary Gary Motichka served as the master of ceremonies for the presentation of the $59,000 given away on the same day as the grand opening of the newly remodeled Eagles club. Members who had sponsored those charities in the past presented the checks.

Motichka, president-elect of the state Eagles Aerie, made the presentation to the Columbia Falls-based Montana Wounded Warriors based in Columbia Falls. When he becomes president of the state organization next year, he plans to continue working for wounded veterans.

“That’s what I’m leaning towards,” Motichka said. “We need to give back to these men and women who are wounded. You see what a positive attitude they have even after losing arms and legs.”

He said club members want to help the Wounded Warriors organization continue to provide outings such as all-expense-paid hunting and fishing trips in Montana. Motichka said they were impressed when the citizens of Ronan raised thousands of dollars for one of their veterans who was severely wounded.

“We decided it was time for us to step up to the plate,” he said.

According to Motichka, members earn the money from an number of sources. A good share comes from food and drink sales and gaming machines at the club located on the west side of Western Building Supply in Columbia Falls.

Motichka said the Eagles rent the hall out for various events. They also have benefits such as an annual golf tournament and the steak fry on the third Friday of each month sponsored by the auxiliary.

“Little by little, we finally ended up with a nice chunk,” he said. “We had been waiting for the right place and right time.”

The Eagles Aerie also gives out $500 scholarships and contributes to good causes such as Coats for Kids.

Each president chooses a charity or charities to support. The current president Beranek selected the Columbia Falls Boys and Girls Club.

Motichka said he has worked to help Columbia Falls Food Bank and the Montana Veterans Home in the past. The Wounded Warriors has become his newest passion.

“It really gives you a warm feeling inside when you hand over those checks,” he said.

The Eagles plan to give out more money down the road, he said. They have just one restriction on their donations: “What’s collected at home stays at home,” Motichka said.

North Valley Eagles Aerie 4081 now has about 140 members, down from highs of 240 to 260 in past years. Motichka said the economy had an impact on membership.

He encourages anyone interested in joining to stop by the club for an application. Motichka would like to see some younger people come into the fold.

“All in all, there’s lots of good people up here,” he said.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com .