With autumn’s arrival comes the countdown to the holidays, a time when neighbors are rallying to make sure no family goes without. Community Action Partnership, together with local residents and businesses, is sponsoring a Community Giving Day with the goal of providing 150 families with a free Thanksgiving meal kit. 

The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Mountain Springs Church parking lot, 6789 Main St., Bonners Ferry. 

Last year, Community Giving Day provided meal kits to 100 families to help ease the burden of extra holiday expenses. This year, the goal has been raised to150 families in hopes of helping as many residents as possible. The monetary goal to help the 150 families is $5,300.  

Signups for the meal kits are open now and required in advance. Those interested may register in person at the CAP office, 6665 Main St., Bonners Ferry. The program is open to anyone in need of a little extra help this holiday season. No income verification is required, but it is limited to Boundary County residents. All family sizes are welcome. 

Donations are being accepted, and monetary contributions are encouraged. Several sponsorship levels are available, but any amount is welcome and appreciated. Donations may be made at the CAP office or by calling 208-267-3663. Donors may also contact event organizer Samantha Banuet at 208-889-1493 or by email at [email protected]. 

Physical food donations can be dropped off at designated sites, including Chapa Chicken Ranch, 6387 Kootenai St.; Mountain West Bank, 7186 First St.; and P1FCU, 6673 Main St., all in Bonners Ferry. 

“We are excited for this year,” Banuet said. “It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful this community is when banding together to serve those in need.” 

The CAP office is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The office is open Thursdays by appointment only.