The Bonners Ferry Senior Hospitality Center hosted its second annual meat drive on Thursday, Oct. 16, with donations organized by Northwest Autobody. Community members donated nearly a thousand pounds of meat, along with $3,625 in cash.  

The meat is expected to last the entire year, according to Linda Lederhos, senior center director. This year, the center received 473 pounds of chicken and 450 pounds of beef. 

The drive helps ensure the center can continue providing meals for the seniors. While they do suggest a donation in exchange for lunch, many are unable to pay. The center receives a small grant from the Innovia foundation to support their operations. 

Lederhos initially wanted a donation of one animal during the county fair, but Casey Gannon, who works at NW Autobody, took it farther and helped organize donations from the community. Since then, several members of the community have contributed their time and money to make the meat drive happen. 

Lederhos said that the community the center provided plays a vital role in the lives of the seniors. 

“We’ve got a lot of people that just come to visit because they’re lonely, they’re a single senior.” Lederhos said. 

The Bonners Ferry Senior Hospitality Center was founded in 1974. 

    Lunch at the Senior Hospitality Center