Time to apply for, gather goods for holiday baskets
It’s been said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Here’s your chance to be blessed this Thanksgiving and Christmas by joining the Boundary County Ministerial Association in providing Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for those living in our community who are in need.
As in past years, the association is partnering with local churches, businesses, families and individuals to raise money and collect food for the annual project.Last year, donations made it possible for 166 families and 452 family members to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Churches provided homemade pumpkin pies to top off the holiday meal. However, if anyone in the community loves to bake pies, we would be happy to receive them.
Applications for the baskets can be picked up at the Community Action Partnership office located next to Verizon on the south hill. Pastors of local churches have also been provided blank applications. Applications must be turned in by Nov. 15.Holiday food items needed for the baskets include packaged gravy mix, stuffing mix and Jell-O mix. Canned goods, including olives, chicken broth, cranberries, yams, vegetables and fruit are also needed to fill the baskets. Those wishing to donate a turkey, please call 610-9132.
Non-perishable food can be dropped off at several churches (check with the pastor) as well as Curves, which is next to Beck’s Furniture and across from Super One; Huckleberry Variety and Akins Harvest Foods (look for the red barrel at the entrance), both downtown. If you would like to donate money to help buy turkeys and other items, there are Turkey Banks at Curves, the Chic N Chop, Badger Shipping, Huckleberry Variety, Yoder’s Discount Groceries, and Three Mile Corner Store and Gas Station.
You may also donate money by sending a check to the Boundary County Ministerial Association, PO Box 722, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.Holiday food baskets are only one of several services the Ministerial Association provides to those in need. During the year, donations are used to provide emergency gas, food and shelter. The association also assists those with limited incomes, especially the elderly, with rent and utility payments. However, because our funds are especially low, the association, sadly, has had to put a hold on this assistance for the past couple of months. So, we really need your help.
We will be packing the boxes at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Monday, Nov. 25 beginning at 8:45 a.m. Recipients can pick up their baskets between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Unclaimed baskets will be taken to the Senior Center and Restorium for their use.Pastor Carol Stickney, the secretary for the association, is taking over the basket project from Deacon Joe and Lorraine Nicholas who have been doing a fantastic job for the last 12 years. They have earned our heartfelt appreciation and deserve a great big thanks.
Carol hopes that those who have donated money and food items, especially the pumpkin pies, and helped pack and deliver boxes in the past will do so again. And, if you have not done so before, please join us. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer to help with the baskets, please contact Carol at 610-9132 or cmstick@gmail.com.