'Deervember' turns collisions into compassion

The Bonner Community Food Bank is always a busy place.

With 38,000 clients last year and pushing 35,000 through October this year, the Food Bank meets an important need for families and individuals who come up short.

With the current suspension of SNAP benefits, Ana Kampe, the volunteer engagement coordinator for the food bank, expects to see even more activity while the federal government sorts things out.

“Hunger is not seasonal," she said. “We are preparing for more families, and I think we can handle it.”

Enter Northwest Auto Body and the company’s annual Deervember promotion which couldn’t come at a better time.

Now in its 10th year, Northwest Auto Body and Washington Trust have topped $25,000 in "doenations." During the past few years more businesses have jumped in and last year’s $6,400 was the biggest yearly contribution.

All three Northwest Auto Body locations will donate $50 for each animal strike repaired in November. The promotion has added up to be a lot of "doe" for the food bank.

“We are so pleased that Deervember helps our Food Bank which in turn helps our neighbors and friends,” said Cory Donenfeld, NWAB president. “It’s great that other local businesses have joined with us to make even more of an impact.”

While businesses are still jumping onboard, here are a few that have partnered with NWAB in the past and are contributing this year:

• Mountain Stove and Jake’s Chimney Sweep, AGE Heating and Cooling and Energy Electric.

• New this year are 4D Auto Wraps and Dave and Bea Speakman, agents with Farm Bureau.

November is the busiest month for animal and vehicle collisions. It is also a busy time for the Food Bank.

There are older residents who rely on Social Security but rising grocery prices have taken a substantial bite into what they can buy at stores. There are working families that can barely afford rent but make just enough not to qualify for help from services like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Then there are people who are just down on their luck — either living in their vehicle or homeless.

Northwest Auto Body started the Deervember campaign as a way to remind people to be on the lookout for all animals as it seems we are all driving in the dark this time of year.

“Give yourself some extra time when you drive and pay attention to your surroundings,” said Eric Donenfeld, co-owner of Northwest Auto Body. “Deer are in rut and are running around and other animals are on the move.”

“Accidents happen and Northwest Auto Body wants to continue to be your go-to collision repair shop,” Donenfeld said. “Neighbors helping neighbors is what we are all about and during Deervember we turn animal-vehicle accidents from a negative to a gift for those who need help.”

If you have any questions about Deervember, stop by any of the Northwest Auto Body locations in Sandpoint, Ponderay and Bonners Ferry.

The food bank is always looking for donations and volunteers. It is located at 1707 Culvers Drive, Sandpoint. 

Among high-need items are canned chicken and tuna, preferably with pull tops; shelf-stable basics such as peanut butter, pasta and flour. Monetary donations are also welcome and are used to purchase needed items.

The foodbank can be reached by photo at 208-263-3663 or on its website at bonnerfoodbank.org.