People Helping People

BONNERS FERRY — While there are many organizations set in place to help people in the community, it often still comes down to the small acts of kindness — when an individual decides to take that extra step. People helping people.

This is a new column that features the amazing people in our community, and we are looking to you, our readers, to share the stories that are happening every day throughout our community. If you know someone, or a group or organization, that is going that extra step to make someone’s life — or day — a little bit better, let us know.

Please email mbateman@bonnersferryherald.com with the title: People Helping People. Or call the Herald office at 208-267-5521 and share your story.

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Helping people in northern Boundary County:

Allen Gemmrig has been a firefighter with Hal Mountain Fire for about 12 years and an EMT for five years, although he was an EMT in Washington years ago.

Gemmrig is offering to pick up and bring food and essential supplies to those in need in northern Boundary County.

“There is a lot of people, especially in our county, that are at an advanced age and being that this virus seems to really go after the elderly folks or the immune compromised, and with my training and background through EMS and fire — I thought I could help out the community,” said Gemmrig. “I know the precautions to take.”

Gemmrig disinfects and makes sure that his vehicle is clean and wears appropriate safety gear, such as gloves.

“Obviously I can’t disinfect every item that they need picked up from the store,” said Gemmrig. “I just try to make sure that it is all sanitary — don’t have people coughing or sneezing around it.”

Gemmrig is willing to go to different stores in town to pick up what the person may need.

“I’m no different than most people up here. We will all help out our neighbor, or anybody that needs it,” said Gemmrig. “ “Everyone in this county — we pull together.”

Call or text Allen Gemmrig at 208-627-3221.

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Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is ready to help:

“Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department would like to wish everyone the best during these difficult times,” they said in a press release.

Hall Mountain Fire is ready and prepared to respond to any fire, medical, rescue or emergency that is needed.

“It is during these times that we are reminded how uniquely fortunate and blessed to live how and where we do,” they wrote in the press release. “Many of us have been witnessing our neighbors helping one another and coming together like we always do.”

Hall Mountain Fire is also asking that if anyone in the Hall Mountain community is in need of assistance, to contact them and they will try to help, like going to town and getting groceries for elderly, disabled, or immunocompromised people.

“Depending on the response, we will find a volunteer(s) to help coordinate efforts,” stated Hall Mountain Fire. “Thank you to everyone for being part of this wonderful community. Please stay safe and stay kind.”

Email your requests directly to hallmountainfire.training@gmail.com.

Or leave a phone message at the Fire Hall 208-267-7375.

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Kudos to Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill:

Going that extra step can brighten someone’s day, especially during tough times like these, and Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill did just that.

They went out of their way to bring a little something extra to the front lines, the first responders and people still out making sure that our community is running smoothly

They prepared Easter Baskets, filled with cookies, and Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill owner Danielle Reasoner’s locally famous homemade brownies, and delivered them last Thursday to the Bonners Ferry Police Department, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, Boundary Ambulance, the Post Office, Bonners Ferry City Hall, and Boundary Community Hospital.

“We wanted to give back to the community, to the front runners and first responders, to the people that still have to work,” said Reasoner.

A little sweetness goes a long way.

“We at the city would like to give a quick shout out of appreciation to Mugsy’s for the sweet little goody (Easter) baskets they gave to us girls and the rest of city hall,” said Lara Tyler.