COEUR d’ALENE — Evalyn Adams believes that providing food for the less fortunate does more than give them a meal. 

It helps them feel better about who they are and where they are in life.

“If they know people care enough to give money so they can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner, that gives them a real boost,” Adams said Thursday. “If they can get a nice meal and realize the community wants to help them, it’s win-win.” 

Adams has been the joyous face of Turkeys & More since she founded it eight years ago and it officially became a nonprofit three years ago. Since then, it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, distributed thousands of turkeys, benefited thousands of men, women and children and been supported by hundreds of volunteers. 

All the while, Adams did not receive a nickel for her efforts, not that she ever thought she deserved one. 

"It was just the right thing to do,” she said. 

Thursday, Adams joined about 30 volunteers, donors and others with Turkeys & More for a celebratory lunch at Capone's Pub at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course for this year when they raised more than $70,000.

She was singled out for recognition because she finally retired. 

“She’s the heart of Turkeys & More,” said Nancy Nelson, the nonprofit’s president.  

She said Adams has been her mentor and inspiration, helping keep things on course and remembering why their mission mattered.

“She has made sure we’re always doing what we need to do so on that day everything is well,” Nelson said. 

That day is when, shortly before Thanksgiving, thousands of turkeys are distributed via vehicle pickup and delivery to area food banks. 

Adams, who served two three-year terms as a Kootenai County commissioner in the 1980s, for decades volunteered with organizations and committees. 

She was involved with Turkeys for All 10 years ago before that disbanded when its founder moved. 

Adams wanted to keep something going because she saw the need. That led her to start Turkeys & More in 2017, with the theme, “Fight Hunger, Feed Hope.” 

She was its coordinator for five years when it operated under the umbrellas of the Community Action Agency food bank and then Heart of the City Church before it became a nonprofit, when she served as vice president. 

It’s been her passion and source of happiness, but Adams said a good team is in place and it’s time for her to step back. Over the years, she put in long days. 

“I’m worn out,” she said, smiling. “It’s hard to keep up with everything.” 

Adams is adamant that what they do is important, which is why support has been strong. 

“I think people will keep giving and donating and helping those that are vulnerable,” she said. 

Nelson said Adams' biggest impact hasn't been on Thanksgiving when recipients sat down for dinner. It's an influence that will last for generations.

“They know the community cares about them, and that’s pretty good,” Nelson said.