SANDPOINT – The Litehouse Giving Committee has been busy this summer giving back to the community.

The group of Litehouse employee-owners are committed to finding ways to help local groups and nonprofits. Recently the team coordinated donations of nearly $25,000 to local Sandpoint charities.

One of the core values at Litehouse is stewardship, Litehouse brand manager and employee-owner Theresa Lindholm said. Because of that dedication to that concept, Lindholm said the company is committed to giving back and making a positive impact in the communities it serves. That includes, she added, actively supporting and engaging with community initiatives throughout Bonner County and beyond.

“The Giving Committee at Litehouse was established several years ago to help our employee owners give to those in need. The committee assesses the needs of our community and selects worthy causes that align with our company’s mission and core values.” Kelly Prior, Litehouse CEO, said.

That’s why, Litehouse officials said, during the month of June, Litehouse donated to several local nonprofits providing support for children and families, including Lake Pend Oreille School District’s summer lunch program, Food For Our Children, Unique Center for Athletes of All Needs and the Bonner County Skate Park Association.

The federally funded lunch program that provides daily meals to over 200 children was put on hold while the district’s nutrition warehouse undergoes renovations. In response, the Bonner Community Food Bank, East Bonner County Library, Food For Our Children and Kaniksu Land Trust worked closely with the school district to establish an interim 11-week summer lunch program solution. Litehouse donated funds and during the months of June through August volunteered hours to help fulfill two weeks’ worth of lunches.

In addition, Litehouse donated funds that will go toward putting the second piece of fruit in the take-home lunch program for children, for the remainder of 2022.

Lindholm said UCAN, which received a portion of the $25,000 donation, empowers special needs individuals through fitness and nutrition by providing a place for them to thrive through activities, and social interaction. Litehouse’s donation will allow the center to continue providing free weekly classes for more than 45 unique athletes.

Other funds went to the Bonner County Skate Park Association to help build the new skate park, which will bring more access to skateboarding for Bonner County residents.

While the committee gave all summer long, they’re not done, Litehouse officials said.

“The next big activity we have coming up is our annual “Holiday of Giving” event. This includes a Fall Food Drive to help support the food bank for Thanksgiving and an Adopt a Family event for Christmas,” Lindholm said.

The fall food drive is projected to begin either mid-October or the beginning of November and will also see Litehouse employee owners donating their time at area grocery stores to collect food, donate money or bring in food from friends and family. Lindholm said historically, the team has donated thousands of pounds of food and thousands of dollars for this event.

Finally, Litehouse will host the “Adopt A Family” event in partnership with various schools in the district. Litehouse will put forward the funds and the committee will gather a list of families from the schools that include children’s ages, sizes and interests, then the Litehouse crews will go shopping for them.

Jonathan Lange, continuous improvement manager, said members take pride in being a part of the committee and the giving culture of Litehouse.

“Litehouse recognizes that our suppliers, consumers, and employee-owners are integral to our successes. Our company’s core values, missions, and visions all speak to this important community of people. Litehouse is unique because it talks the talk and walks the walk. 100% employee ownership, net income donations, and local volunteer efforts — Litehouse takes action and focuses resources on caring for our community,” Lange said.

“Nobody likes a bad relationship, and a great relationship is the best! Litehouse works diligently to foster its relationship with our community. Things are happier and more satisfying at work and in the community because of this great relationship. I am blessed to be part of the team.”