It began with a boatload of birds.

What started as StanCraft Marine Center owner Robb Bloem's simple idea has grown into one of the area's largest food security fundraisers. 

"He asked, 'Why don't we just tell our friends to bring a frozen turkey and let's fill one of our boats with turkeys and we'll donate them to the families at the food bank,'" said 3rd Avenue Marketplace Executive Director Leslie Orth.

Now in its 16th year, Give Hunger the Bird has evolved from a gathering of 20 people sharing beer and chips into an event that typically draws large crowds and raises $100,000 for the area. 

"It's really changed over the years, and I think the reason it's successful is, it's fun," Orth said.

This year's event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the StanCraft Jet Center, 3300 Aviation Way, Hayden. The silent auction will feature about 100 items, including kayaks, barbecues and chain saws.

The food bank, which recently opened its remodeled 11,000-square-foot building at 1215 E. Third Ave. in Post Falls, has seen its client base grow from 2,300 to 3,400 families in just three years. The demographics have shifted as well. 

"Now the common family that walks in our doors are young couples with little children," Orth noted. "The reason we do all of this is our market."

For table reservations, call 208-773-0139 or email Brana@3rdavenuemarketplace.org. More information: 3rdavenuemarketplace.org

Turkeys & More approaches fundraising goal

The Turkeys & More charity has raised approximately $50,000 toward its $72,000 goal to provide Thanksgiving meals for vulnerable residents in Kootenai County.

"I always feel so blessed we are able to reach our goal and serve holiday meals to about 10,000 people the last few years," said Evalyn Adams, the charity's founder. "Coeur d'Alene really feels like a city with a heart when so many people donate and assist."

The organization aims to purchase 2,000 turkeys for distribution through 21 food centers. Drive-through pickup will be available the week before Thanksgiving at Unity Church. Pre-registration is required at the Community Action Partnership Food Bank, 4144 Industrial Loop, Coeur d'Alene. The Coeur Group will handle additional deliveries to food banks and service agencies throughout Kootenai County.

Donations can be made at any Super 1 Foods location checkout, mailed to P.O. Box 267, Cd'A, ID 83816, or submitted online at turkeysandmore.org. For information, call 208-765-5535.

    Brian Howell, manager of the Rathdrum Super One Foods is holding a banner with Turkeys and More president Nancy Nelson. All Super One stores will accept donations at the check stands to help the nonprofit group raise enough money to distribute turkeys the week before Thanksgiving. Checks may also be sent to Turkeys & More at P.O. Box 267, CDA, ID 83816, or go to turkeysandmore.org to donate safely online. For more information, call 208-765-5535.