Donations will fund wishes for children with special needs

COEUR d’ALENE — Dale Rainey knows a good opportunity when he sees one.

“This is in support of an organization we really believe in,” he said Wednesday.

Rainey and his wife, Shawnda, own City Thrift, 165. E. Appleway Ave. They recently partnered with the Wishing Star Foundation to contribute part of the proceeds from the sale of donated items to the nonprofit.

City Thrift offers used clothes, furniture, home decor and more and is proud to support the Wishing Star Foundation.

Wishing Star “fosters hope, community and lasting memories by granting wishes for children with terminal, life-threatening or medically complicated conditions and supporting their families beyond the wish.”

The partnership will continue, Dale Rainey said, in “perpetuity” and will brighten the lives of many children with special needs.

“That’s what it’s there for,” he said.

Lonna Smith, Wishing Star Foundation executive director, said the program is already paying dividends.

“Our checks are starting to add up,” she said. “Right now, it’s such a blessing to us. There’s not a lot of those who say, ‘Hey, we want to give you money.’”

It’s timely, too, as Wishing Star had to cancel fundraisers due to the coronavirus.

Here’s how it works: When you donate used stuff to City Thrift, they clean it up and sell it. On the sale of those items, Wishing Star is receiving 18% of the proceeds each month.

The Wishing Star Foundation is based in Spokane but it is establishing a stronger presence in North Idaho to help children and enjoys being part of “feel-good stories” that brighten people’s lives.

It has granted more than 1,300 wishes and served more than 5,000 families in its 36 years.

“Everybody needs good news,” Smith said.

To donate: 208-268-8600