Outstanding community leaders from various professions volunteer their time to help guide and direct the United Way annual fundraising campaign. These leaders play a vital role in helping to carry the message of United Way into the community.

"One big way this group helps United Way to improve lives in our community is to invite peers in local businesses to open their doors to the opportunity of holding a United Way employee giving campaign," says Caryl Johnston, United Way Executive Director. "People are so generous in our community, and want to help. The ability to give through payroll deduction makes it really easy to extend their personal financial generosity," Johnston said. "We want to extend special thanks to these community minded volunteers."

The 2013-14 United Way Campaign Cabinet Volunteer Members include: Chair - Eve Knudtsen, Knudtsen Chevrolet; Jeff Smith, Edward Jones; Joe Dunlap, North Idaho College; Liese Razzeto, Wells Fargo Bank; Sharmon Schmitt, Avista; Kurt Sager, Washington Trust Bank; Ron Nilson, Ground Force Manu-facturing; Sarah Garcia, North Idaho College; Sheriff Ben and Mary Wolfinger, Kootenai County; Darin Hayes, DA Davidson; Dan Green, County Com-missioner; Jame Davis, Jobs Plus; Scott Fischer, Architects West; Suzanne Metzger, RR Chatters & Company and Darrell Raver, Washington Trust Bank.

"Solving our community's toughest challenges can only be achieved through teamwork," said Jeff Smith, United Way board member and campaign cabinet member. "Even though times have been challenging, those of us who still have the ability to give can make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many. If a person is interested in supporting those less fortunate in our community, giving through United Way of Kootenai County is a great way to do it," said Smith.

If your business does not currently run a United Way employee giving campaign, give us a call at 667-8112 and we will help you set one up. It's easy, and we will help you to learn about the needs in the community and your donation will make a huge difference improving lives in our community.

Volunteer Opportunity: 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner volunteers needed

The Fedora Pub and Grille and many local nonprofit organizations and volunteers are working to bring our community together on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, 1,100 people from our area were fed for free. This year the planning committee is working hard preparing for an estimated 1,500 of our friends and neighbors who have been hit hardest by these trying economic times.

Providing a nice Thanksgiving meal with amazing volunteers may help relieve pressure from families trying to give their families a memorable Thanksgiving. It can also provide a sense of comfort for those who are spending the holiday alone.

This event is held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28.

Volunteer opportunities include volunteer sign-in booth, cook setup, kitchen set-up, hostess, greeter, server, dishwasher, bathroom monitor, event floater, and food bag distribution. Several shifts available. No experience necessary, training provided.

Please visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 101.

Get Connected!

The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

GET CONNECTED!

* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

* TAKE ACTION! Call (208) 667-8112

Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER