After pouring her energy into the Market at the Heart as a volunteer since 2017, Nonie O'Neill was nominated by the market director, Myndi Sizemore, for the time, warmth and prayers that she puts into the faith-based food bank. 

O’Neill said she enjoys streamlining operations to make it a more efficient system and finds it rewarding to help folks struggling to get by in the community. 

“I’m retired and I’ve got lots of time, and I like nothing more than helping people,” O’Neill said. “I love being there and getting things ready to give away. Whatever they ask me to do, I do it.” 

O’Neill manages the food bank, is co-director of the market and is the vice president of a nonprofit called Heart Reach, which helps individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Heart of the Market operates out of The Heart of the City Church in Coeur d'Alene. In addition to the food bank, they have a clothing boutique, hygiene products and hot meals available to the community at no charge.

Sizemore said O’Neill makes it look easy to organize daily tasks, pick up community donations, deliver senior boxes and lead with integrity.  

“She’s the ying to my yang, right to my left, ketchup to my mustard, and always someone I can lean on in any situation. She is a force and an incredible blessing to our community. I am honored to call her my friend,” Sizemore said.

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So often volunteers go unnoticed in our community, so here’s your chance to praise members of our community for making things a little brighter in North Idaho.   

Email Carolyn Bostick at [email protected] to nominate an individual in your life to be features as one of our helpers in Kootenai County.