POST FALLS - As Willy Ellis waited to receive free food on Tuesday, she reflected on how much it will help her and others.

"It's wonderful that this is offered, especially for older people," the Post Falls woman said at Community Care Day at the Post Falls Senior Center. "Everything counts."

In addition to the food distribution, for which about 150 people waited in line before it started, several agencies offered free services and information, including Heritage Health, River City Animal Hospital, Post Falls Police, Avista Utilities, Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho, Western Records Destruction paper shredding firm and more.

Alison McArthur, executive director of the senior center, said attendees began forming the food line at 9 a.m. for the 11 a.m. start.

"We had some people check in at 8:30 a.m. to see what they needed to do," McArthur said.

Volunteers and a mobile food bank from Second Harvest distributed 10,259 pounds of food.

The event served 209 households consisting of 468 people.

"The turnout has been amazing," McArthur said. "We hope to do this every year."

McArthur said the senior center was asked to host the event as part of a grant it received from the Wal-Mart Foundation.

Post Falls' Maureen Hansen brought her dog, Bella, for a rabies shot.

"It was an easy way to do it and it only cost $10," she said. "It was really cool that they held this."

Ellis said that, at a time when grocery prices are skyrocketing, the help is appreciated.

"Everything used to jump a penny or two, but now everything is going up 25, 50 cents or more," she said. "What used to cost 99 cents (a year or two ago) now costs $1.50. If it wasn't for the food bank, I wouldn't get meat.

"When you're on Social Security, every little bit helps."

Ellis had a bag full of materials from various agencies represented at the event. The information contained ways to keep heating costs down and literature about how and where to find help.

A pair of single sisters from Post Falls, who declined to be identified, were the first two people in line for food.

"I simply can't afford some of this stuff," one of them said softly. "This is really going to help a lot of people."

Volunteer Chris Pappas said it felt good to assist those in need.

"I had no idea that it was going to be this big," she said.