Second Annual Community Giving Day Turkey Drive Feeds 200 Local Families

The second annual Community Giving Day Turkey Drive surpassed expectations when the Nov. 22 event provided full Thanksgiving meal kits to 200 Boundary County families.  

Organizers said the outpouring of support from volunteers, churches, youth groups and local businesses made this year’s event the most successful one yet. 

The event was a true local effort by all involved, organizers said, adding thanks to the many volunteers, community groups, businesses, organizations, and donors whose support and generosity made the event possible. 

Community Action Partnership served as the sign-up location for families seeking assistance.  

“Liz and Becky are the absolute best,” event organizer Samantha Banuet said, noting CAP’s help in connecting local households with the program. 

Mountain Springs Church hosted the distribution, with its congregation and leadership team volunteering to help with the event.  

Businesses across the community contributed supplies, food items and transportation to ensure each meal kit was complete. 

Safeway provided 200 turkeys at wholesale cost, with assistance from the meat department staff. P1FCU donated 200 reusable tote bags, while Super 1 Foods supplied the majority of canned goods at no cost. Grocery Outlet contributed 200 pies, Walmart’s bakery staff prepared and loaded 200 sets of dinner rolls, and Chapa Chicken Ranch included 200 Samaritan Bread coupons in each bag. Boundary Shipping assisted with all printing needs for flyers and meal tickets. 

Accurate Northwest, Al Wilson’s Auto Repair, Beck’s Furniture and Far North Plumbing transported all 200 turkeys to Mountain Springs Church. Local youth organizations also played key roles: American Heritage Girls Troop assembled the food bags on Thursday, and the Trail Life Boys Troop helped distribute them on Saturday. Misty Mountain Pizza donated lunch for volunteers. 

In total, the effort raised $10,000 from businesses, organizations and individual donors. Contributors included AGE Heating & Cooling, American Legion Post 55, the Apo and Brown families, BF Fredrickson’s Garbage, Branding Iron Logo Company, Bushnell Law, Caribou Creek Log Homes, Century 21 Four Seasons Realty, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 28, the Ennis family, Evergreen Home Loan, the Garcia family, Hank Willis DDS, Kaniksu Community Health, Lightning M Cheese, McCune family, Mugsy’s Tavern & Grill, ProX/Western Building Center, Red’s Transmission & Performance, Rocket Mortgage (Linda Collier), the Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry and its Turkey Challenge, Selkirk Kennels, Selkirk Press, The Medicine Man Pharmacy, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3622, Will & Laura Realty, Wink Inc. and Wood’s BF Redi-Mix. 

Organizers say the strong community response reflects the spirit of the season. “It is with hearts full of immense gratitude for this absolutely incredible community, we wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.” Banuet said.  

Planning is already underway for the upcoming Share the Light of Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 20. The holiday initiative will bring together the Boundary County Veterans Services Office, In His Image Group, Community Action Partnership, Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry, Boundary County School District 101 and Mountain Springs Church. The event will include a “toy giving tree” with Santa visits, the high school and middle schools’ annual Ham and Turkey Drive, a drive for warm coats and boots, and additional food support. 

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating may contact Banuet at 208-889-1493 or [email protected]. 

    Volunteers for Community Giving Day 2025
  

    Community Giving Day 2025