POST FALLS — When a crisis befalls a Post Falls resident, the Post Falls Community Volunteers wanted to be there to offer their support. 

The group’s secretary, John Thurston, said they got started about 25 years ago when a young woman was paralyzed by a stray bullet.  

“She had huge medical bills, and the business leaders in the community came together to raise money for her, and the Post Falls Community Volunteers were born,” Thurston said. 

On Thursday evening, the group will celebrate with neighbors and do a little fundraising during its annual picnic, 5-9 p.m. at Q’emiln Park.  

With music by the Kelly Hughes Band, hot dogs and hamburgers for free and beer available for purchase at the event, about 500 people are expected for the community gathering. 

“We want to give back to the community and give away about $10,000 a year to the community,” Thurston said.  

When a family recently lost their home to a fire, the group mobilized quickly to connect with them and try to offset some costs.  

“We had money in their pockets within 36 hours,” Thurston said. “We get tips from the community and then we do our best to check them out. In some cases, they are people who were already on our radar and then a crisis happens.” 

The group has also donated to foster children, first responders dealing with cancer, Post Falls Historical Society and Museum, Safe Passage and the Post Falls Police Ambassadors. 

To learn more about the Post Falls Community Volunteers, contact them at 208-660-3582 or visit their Facebook page. 

    A photo from a past Post Falls Community Picnic.