COEUR d’ALENE — As many as 50 million Americans may experience hunger because of COVID-19, according to data from Feeding America, a nonprofit that works with hundreds of food banks across the United States.

That’s why Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty donated $20,000 to area food banks last week.

Though any donation is appreciated, Robert Brickett, general manager, said money often makes the biggest difference to food banks, especially when they run low on items like perishables and hygiene products.

“Money allows them to fill those voids much better,” he said.

Because many food banks work with manufacturers and grocers, they can obtain food at a lower cost than shoppers pay at the grocery store. That means each dollar goes further when spent by the food bank itself.

“The dollars we can provide them exponentially increase the effectiveness of our help,” Brickett said.

He added that Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty cultivates a culture of giving back to the community.

“This is the bright and shining star of where to live on the planet,” he said. “This spirit of giving is really unique to our area. That’s something we can all be proud of.”

Brickett would like others to find a way to give back to their community.

It doesn’t have to be money, he said. There are endless ways to contribute and make a difference in the lives of others.

“Our neighbors and friends are in need,” he said. “We’re all in this community together, and we should all be thinking of what we can do to help each other.”