Post Falls businesses, chamber give back to educators
CAROLYN BOSTICK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months, 1 week AGO
Greensferry Elementary Principal Kathy Baker accepts a basket of appreciation from local businesses and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce delivered by Cody Duce, Jeff Casey and RaeAnne Capaul.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Educators at Treaty Rock Elementary and other schools across the Post Falls School District were surprised Tuesday morning with baskets provided by local businesses and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Pictured: Shanna Salsbury, Madison John, Dawn Mackesy, Catherine Van Keirsbulck, Jordan Munson, Cody Duce and Jeff Casey.
Jeff Casey loads up one of the vehicles distributing educator appreciation baskets Tuesday morning outside the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Cody Duce, Madison John and Jeff Casey bring gratitude baskets for educators into Post Falls High School.
madison John and RaeAnne Capaul figure out which Post Falls school is their next donation to distribute appreciation baskets for educators Tuesday morning.
A group assembled Tuesday morning at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce to distribute gift baskets to show educators in Post Falls School District their appreciation. Educators in 30 schools received items donated by local businesses to share their support.
Carolyn Bostick has worked for the Coeur d’Alene Press since June 2023. She covers Shoshone County and Coeur d'Alene. Carolyn previously worked in Utica, New York at the Observer-Dispatch for almost seven years before briefly working at The Inquirer and Mirror in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Since she moved to the Pacific Northwest from upstate New York in 2021, she's performed with the Spokane Shakespeare Society for three summers. | April 9, 2025 1:09 AM
POST FALLS — It all came together Tuesday morning as contributions by almost 40 businesses surprised educators in the Post Falls School District.
About 25 volunteers for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce assembled packages for educators to demonstrate how much they matter.
Staff member Sheri Bullock said the chamber's spring events such as the educator appreciation event and reverse job fair are focused on connecting with others.
“It’s fun to just spread joy and brighten their day,” Bullock said.
The treats were intended for those who play roles in the education, health and safety needs of children, including teachers, nurses, administrators, custodial, food service, maintenance, transportation and support staff.
Chamber staff member RaeAnne Capaul noted there was a hefty haul in store for school educators to peruse.
“It was a big year,” she said.
Greensferry Elementary Principal Kathy Baker said the surprise put smiles on faces as staff grabbed snacks from the basket or add needed school supplies to their classroom.
“Today's unexpected gift has resulted in a stream of gratitude,” Baker said.
School counselor Laura Kast was moved by the handwritten notes and Beth Urrutia, a paraprofessional, felt sentimental as she selected a North Idaho College shirt from the gift basket.
"Thank you for the new swag to support my daughter," Urrutia said.
Chamber staff member Madison John said it was her first time making deliveries and said the baskets could contain anything from food to tissues or calendars to books.
She said it felt awesome to honor unsuspecting school staff.
“We got a good variety this year, I think. they have anything our member businesses wanted to give,” John said.
Prairie View Elementary Principal Stacy Hisghman said the care basket added extra cheer to their day.
“Staff were beaming in the breakroom as they peered through the generous donations,” Hisghman said.
Educators at Treaty Rock Elementary and other schools across the Post Falls School District were surprised Tuesday morning with baskets provided by local businesses and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Pictured: Shanna Salsbury, Madison John, Dawn Mackesy, Catherine Van Keirsbulck, Jordan Munson, Cody Duce and Jeff Casey.
Jeff Casey loads up one of the vehicles distributing educator appreciation baskets Tuesday morning outside the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Cody Duce, Madison John and Jeff Casey bring gratitude baskets for educators into Post Falls High School.
madison John and RaeAnne Capaul figure out which Post Falls school is their next donation to distribute appreciation baskets for educators Tuesday morning.
A group assembled Tuesday morning at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce to distribute gift baskets to show educators in Post Falls School District their appreciation. Educators in 30 schools received items donated by local businesses to share their support.ARTICLES BY CAROLYN BOSTICK
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