Care-N-Share program needs community's help

The program got its start in 1981, when Linda Lederhos was working at the Panhandle Health Clinic and was given some toys from a contest. 

Each year, Care-N-Share organizers put out applications for those in need.  Only parents or legal guardians are able to fill out an application. Applications consist of the child's size, need, and wish and can be picked up at the Panhandle Health Clinic and E.L. Internet Northwest. The applications are available until Dec. 1.

This deadline ensures organizers have enough time to get the gifts together. A person, group, or business can help by sponsoring a child or family by calling Lederhos at 208-290-1483 or by picking a tag off the tree at Mountain West Bank or the Boundary County Courthouse.

Tags will be available on the trees the first week of December. A person can also donate to Care-N-Share Christmas at 515014 U.S. 95, Bonners Ferry, or by dropping it off at Wells Fargo Bank, Mt. West Bank, and E.L. Internet Northwest.

What is needed, and what types of toys should be purchased?

“This is always a great question, as we never really know until the applications are in, but in general, anything that is popular that year is a great gift to buy," Lederhos said. "Gifts for the older kids are always hard to come by."

Lederhos said the program can always use extra socks and good, warm, water-resistant gloves.

All donations stay in the community, with 99.9% of the money going to gifts. The remainder is spent to buy helpers lunch on “give out” day, she said.

“Without all the support, the program would not exist,” Lederhos said. “Thank you so very much.”