SANDPOINT — The Bonner Community Food Bank assists approximately 4,200 individuals each month, primarily with food, but also with other resources when available.

Because of the food bank’s contribution to the community, and the increase in animal collision repairs each November, Northwest Autobody and Towing is continuing its annual tradition of donating $50 from each such repair done throughout the month.

“We started this in 2016, and since 2016 we have donated a grand total of $5,200,” said Eric Donenfeld, who co-owns Northwest Autobody with his brother, Cory Donenfeld. “... This is to not just bring a lot of awareness to the food bank, because that is a lot of what we are trying to accomplish, but the other part of it is to bring awareness that in the month of November, there are more animal accidents than any other month — we want to bring awareness to safety as well.”

This year, 29 vehicles were repaired, totaling $1,450 to help the hungry, which is, coincidentally, the same number as last year. Also coincidentally, Northwest Autobody repaired 23 cars each year in 2016 and 2017 for two donations of $1,150 to the food bank.

“They are helping to feed a lot of people at the Bonner Community Food Bank, and we really appreciate that,” said Carol Warren, vice president of the food bank board.

“We have seen an increase in need, and with Northwest Autobody making this an annual contribution, it is very appreciated and helpful,” added Debbie Love, food bank executive director. “They have been wonderful to work with every year.”

Also this year, Northwest Autobody donated $150 to the Community Action Partnership food bank in Bonners Ferry, and $50 to the Libby Food Pantry as part of their promise to donate to the community from where the claim originated.

While food donations are always appreciated, monetary donations are preferred by food banks, Eric Donenfeld said, because with their buying power, they are able to stretch each dollar much further than the ordinary citizen. So the Donenfelds advertised during the month of November that they would donate $50 for each repair, and whether the customers had seen the advertisements or not, they knew by the time they left the shop that they were helping out the food bank by going to Northwest Autobody.

The primary reasons for the increase in animal collisions in November is because of rutting and hunting seasons. Some tips for reducing wildlife collisions from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game include:

- Big-game animals are especially active at dawn, dusk and at night. Motorists should drive extra cautious during these times.

- Slow down. Driving more slowly increases reaction time and reduces the chance of a collision.

- Always wear your seat belt. This won’t prevent a collision, but it can save your life depending upon the severity of the accident.

- Scan ahead and watch for movement, especially near the fog line and side of the road. When driving at night, watch for shining eyes in headlights.

- If you see one animal cross the road, slow down immediately and look for more to follow.

- Pay extra attention in areas posted with wildlife crossing signs. They are there for good reason.

- Using high beams can help you spot wildlife, but be considerate of other drivers when using them.

- Don’t tailgate. Always keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you to avoid any unnecessary accidents. If that driver brakes suddenly for an animal in the road, you won’t be able to react in enough time.

- Don’t swerve and risk losing control of your vehicle. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. The most serious crashes occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. It is usually safer to strike the animal than another object such as a tree or another vehicle.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.