Care and Share program supports local children

BONNERS FERRY — Thirty-six years ago, a local bank had leftover toys from a contest. Linda Lederhos had worked for the WIC Program for about seven years and was asked if she was aware of any children in need of toys for the holiday season.

“I was able to give those toys out that year, and the following year, but the next year the bank didn’t have the contest,” said Lederhos.

People had learned that there was that resource, but when the contest was not held, Lederhos felt the need to find toys to give out.

“I scrambled and called some of my girlfriends to see if they had any toys they could spare and so the program was born,” said Lederhos. “From that year forward, the word got around and the community came together. The donations came in to fill all the needs at Christmas.”

As each year passed, the need grew, and with it sprouted ideas on other things that can be gifted. Lederhos devised an idea to give each child a new outfit along with a toy and voiced that idea to the community, receiving a great response.

“I have been blessed to have organizations like Customs and Border Protection, The Forest Service, Rotary, 3 Mile Café, along with the Lutheran Church, Mt. Hall Community Church the United Methodist Church and many families with the donations,” said Lederhos.

Parents can come fill out an application at the Panhandle Health Clinic or E.L. Internet Northwest and applications are due by Dec. 5. Gifts will be given out on Dec. 21.

Items that are always needed are for the older children like teenagers. Beauty or personal items, socks, gloves, hunting or outdoor items. If there is someone that wants to help there is always a need and is appreciated.

“The program continues all throughout the year,” said Lederhos. “With donations that are left we are able to help children that lose everything in a house fire, or maybe in a domestic violence situation, or other times of need. I get calls to help and we do our best to help when we can.”

Donations can be made by mailing them to: Care-N-Share, 515014 hwy 95, Bonners Ferry, ID. 83805, or drop them off at Wells Fargo Bank, Mountain West Bank, or the Court House. People can sponsor a child or family by calling Linda Lederhos at 208-290-1483. One hundred percent of all donations go to the children and stay in Bonners Ferry.