Kootenai Health Gift Shop donations top $185,000
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
Members of the Kootenai Health Volunteer Gift Shop proudly present a $185,122 check to the Kootenai Health Foundation, continuing more than four decades of giving back to patients, families, and caregivers. From left, left to right Rio Setty, Joyce Kollaja, Erin Fochs, Molly Liter, Elizabeth Brewer, Jameson Smith, Sydney Knight, Tom Singleton, Cara Nielsen, and Helen Holmes.
Photo courtesy Kootenai Health
The Kootenai Health Gift Shop recently presented a $185,122 check to the Kootenai Health Foundation.
The funds support patients, caregivers and critical programs across Kootenai Health.
Operated by hospital volunteers, the Gift Shop has a long-standing tradition of giving back. Over the past 43 years, Gift Shop proceeds have generated more than $1.6 million to enhance care, improve facilities and fund essential patient and employee support programs.
“This check represents far more than a dollar amount,” said Cara Nielsen, Kootenai Health Foundation president. “It reflects decades of generosity, volunteerism and community spirit that continue to make a real difference for patients and families.”
In recent years, the Gift Shop has steadily increased its impact: 2025, $185,122; 2024, $160,478; 2023, $153,267; and 2022, $72,223.
Each year, proceeds are returned to the hospital through the Kootenai Health Foundation, supporting a wide range of initiatives, including Festival of Trees and Golf Tournament sponsorships, a $3,000 annual teen scholarship, and $40,000–$50,000 annually for the Cancer Patient Support Fund.
Gift Shop donations help fund both immediate patient needs and long-term investments in care.
Recently funded projects include the Kootenai Health Employee Family Fund ($10,000); Mammogram Screening Fund ($3,750); Patient Clothing Closet ($3,500); Physicians’ Lounge Remodel ($12,000); NICU Angel Eyes Cameras ($31,784); and telepsychiatry services ($30,000).
Upcoming projects include NICU NOVII fetal monitoring devices ($10,000) and OB portable ultrasound ($30,000).
“These funds touch nearly every corner of our organization — from lifesaving technology in the NICU to clothing and screening programs that remove barriers to care,” said Nielsen. “Our volunteers are incredibly proud to support the health and well‑being of our community.”
For more information about the Kootenai Health Foundation or how to support the advancement of health care in our community, visit kootenaihealthfoundation.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Kootenai Health, visit kh.org/volunteer or call 208-625-4645.