The 2022 Jam 4 Cans Charity Rail Jams were a smashing success.

Between Mount Spokane and Post Falls, the ski and snowboard events collected 1,262 pounds of food and $380 to support the Post Falls and Second Harvest food banks.

Jam 4 Cans events director Caleb Foss said organizers weren't sure how the events would go after taking off two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, he reported this year saw the most riders ever — more than 50 — at the Mt. Spokane event March 19 and the Post Falls urban rail jam March 26 had "a solid turnout" with more than 30 participants and a host of generous sponsors.

"With so many barriers created over the past few years that threaten to divide us, it is clear that our community is hungry for connection," Foss said Wednesday. "When we choose to put our differences aside and come together around a common purpose, friendships are restored and we can accomplish a lot of good in the world around us."

Jam 4 Cans began in 2009 when a group of riders from Summit Northwest Ministries wanted to find a way to use skiing and snowboarding to impact their local community. The goal of Jam 4 Cans is to use skiing and snowboarding to draw awareness to the needs of local food banks and inspire local riders to effect positive change.

"I’m so proud of Caleb and the team he has put together to put on these amazing rail jams," said Ron Hessel, Summit Northwest Ministries head pastor. "I have so much respect for all the riders who put on such a great show. Can’t thank our community enough for supporting the food bank through events like this."