Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty donates $6K to Kootenai County Backpack Program

Hungry children in Kootenai County will have more to eat thanks to the holiday efforts of the folks at Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty.

The company presented $6,000 to representatives of the Kootenai County Backpack Program on Thursday. The funds were raised during a Christmas season fundraiser.

"Our entire office participated in raising the money for these programs, and we couldn't be more grateful for the contributions that each agent made," said Becky Randles, Coldwell Banker agent and chair for the Rathdrum program.

The all-office event was built around the simple game of bingo. Agents purchased bingo cards for a quick game prior to six scheduled office sales meetings that took place before Christmas.

"With a normal office meeting attendance approaching 100 associates each week, we were able to generate approximately $3,000," said Kelsey Fulton, office manager. "The company then matched that amount, totaling a great check to the Backpack Program."

General manager Mark Johnson said it was a fun event with an end result that will help many children in the community.

Nationally, more than 21 million children qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. For many of these children, school meals are the only meals they receive. The Feeding America Backpack Program has been helping children get the nutritious and easy-to-prepare food they need to get enough to eat on the weekends by sending backpacks home with kids who need them. In Kootenai County, three area programs feed more than 500 children annually.

"It is programs like these that make a difference in the future of our great community," said Gary Schneidmiller, broker.