COEUR d'ALENE - The ladies of Cancer and Community Charities are at it once again.

The 3Cs granted a total of $88,000 to several local organizations, following a meeting of the 3Cs Appropriations Committee at committee chair Sally Cannon's home Thursday morning.

"I think that it's important for people who can to give a helping hand to people who need it," Cannon said. "We consider the charities that we invite to be really worthwhile charities."

The 3Cs annually invite a number of nonprofit entities to apply for grants paid with funds the 3Cs raise throughout the year. Members of the Appropriations Committee interview representatives of the organizations that apply, then meet to discuss which causes are most prominent and where the money will go.

At the time of the meeting, 3Cs planned to give $85,000. By late afternoon, The Press was contacted with an update that $3,000 more had been added to the grant fund, totaling $88,000. Last year, the organization raised $100,000 to give to local charities. Through the 50 years 3Cs has existed, it has given $1.5 million to local organizations.

"And it all stays in Kootenai County," Cannon said.

Marcia Saunders, publicity chair for the 3Cs, said the organization is pretty much always generating some type of funds. It has two major annual fundraisers as well as 11 activity clubs through which member fees are collected.

"It's wonderful," Saunders said. "It is a wonderful organization. We've got such fantastic people that are so giving, caring. I can't say enough about 3Cs."

The public is invited to attend the 3Cs 2014 Appreciation Brunch at 10 a.m. Aug. 22 in The Coeur d'Alene Resort, where the funds will be given to the grant recipients. Saunders said 3Cs is always looking for new members and the brunch also serves as a membership drive, welcoming interested parties to join the organization.

"It really helps the community," Saunders said. "That means a lot to me, because I'm not a lucky person, I'm a very fortunate person, so I feel like I should give back every way I can."

Saunders said the names of grant recipients will not be released until 3Cs members have had a chance to notify them personally.

For brunch reservations, call Judy Gardner at 664-4604.

Info: www.ccc-northidaho.org.