Holiday food baskets available
BONNERS FERRY — This Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Ministerial Association will be providing food baskets for needy families in the local area.
Due to the departure of the program’s former management, Pastor Brent Dehlbom of the United Methodist Church is taking the lead on this year’s food basket program.
“I believe that this is an important ministry and is worthy of continuing so, I decided to take it on,” Dehlbom said. “Pastor Carol Stickney and Deacon Joe and Lorraine Nicholas have all moved out of the area. We thank each of them for their years of faithful service!”
The Association partners with local churches, businesses, families, and individuals to raise money and collect food for the annual project. Dehlbom quotes,
“Acts 20:35 (NKJV) says, ‘I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Last year, donations made it possible to provide about 160 baskets which ensured that nearly 500 people in the community who would otherwise not have had the opportunity enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Applications for the baskets will be available at the Community Action Partnership (Food Bank) and though local pastors. All applications must be turned in to the Community Action Partnership by Nov. 19 for the Thanksgiving baskets and by the Dec. 17 for the Christmas baskets.
Donors can find lists provided at local churches or the food bank for food items needed and dates for collection. Non-perishable foods can be dropped off at any of the local churches where these announcements are found. Items needed on the list include stuffing mix, canned vegetables, dinner rolls, canned fruit, onions, cranberries, celery, yams, potatoes, olives, chicken broth, whipped topping, gravy and Jello. Anyone who would like to donate money to provide turkeys can bring donations to CURVES on McCall St. next to Becks Furniture or may mail donations to Boundary County Ministerial Association, P.O. Box 722, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.
Frozen pumpkin pies (in gallon zip lock bags) and frozen turkeys can be dropped off at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Monday morning, Nov. 24 by 9 a.m. to be included in the food baskets.
The Holiday Food Basket program is just one of the ways in which the Ministerial Association provides assistance to those in need. The association also assists those in need or who have limited incomes with emergency food, gas and shelter as well as help with rent and utility payments. They appreciate any help locals feel called to provide.
Volunteers will be packing boxes on Monday, Nov. 24 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church 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.
“Please join us in whatever way you feel called!” Dehlbom says. “We need people to bake pies, pack and deliver boxes, gather donations, and help organize workers!”
Anyone who would like to volunteer or has questions is encouraged to contact Pastor Brent Dehlbom at the United Methodist Church, 267-2343 or at Brent. Dehlbom@gmail.com or on his cell at 208-946-3419.
“Thank you and blessings to you all!” he says.