PF volunteer organization’s main focus is community

Mayor Clay Larkin describes Post Falls as a community of “people helping people.” The city is growing rapidly but is able to maintain a small-town, friendly atmosphere.

Much of that is due to the Post Falls Community Volunteers.

Established in 2001, the group of local citizens is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the greater Post Falls area. They work with local nonprofit organizations to ensure the success of community events, and they’re committed to helping those in need.

But one word best represents their purpose, says Chris Pappas, volunteers board member and Post Falls city clerk.

“Our main function is community,” Pappas says. “Feeling part of a community helps people be more open; it gives the city a hometown feeling. These days especially, it’s important to know who your neighbors are.”

Many agree. Currently, the organization is made up of 26 individuals, 34 businesses and organizations and 46 families and is growing.

The group was formed by Steve Bruno, Sam Clevinger, Joe Doellefeld (past volunteers’ president and commissioner with Kootenai Fire and Rescue), Freeman Duncan, Jim Hammond, Post Falls Police Chief Clifford Hayes, Skip Hissong, Rick Steele and Terry Warner.

Steele, current chairman, recalls the group’s formation.

“A citizen needed help, and the volunteers were formed,” he says. “Since then, they’ve been wherever there’s a need; most volunteers helped with community events for years. They originated the Summer Concert Series, Fiddle Fest, and musical and charitable events, including the Herborn Sister City picnic. They also helped with the Post Falls Community Picnic and the Historical Society’s Oktoberfest.”

These events bring people together and are an opportunity to get to know other individuals, organizations and families. Volunteering only adds to that opportunity.

“We share duties, so everyone works together,” Pappas says.

At Christmastime, the volunteers work with the Fire Department, adopting three or four families in need. This is but one example of how volunteer dues are spent. All dues go back into the community.

Larkin and his wife, Deanna, are involved and supportive members.

“The volunteers have brought together more than 100,000 people with the Community Picnic, Post Falls Youth Commission, concerts and other events. They provide a wonderful community service and put on fund-raisers for people that have suffered trauma in their life.”

Lt. Scot Haug of the Police Department has been a member since the group originated.

“They’ve done wonders putting together the free music concerts; people can come and just enjoy the music. The volunteers also put on a wonderful benefit for a victim of a shooting here in Post Falls. These kinds of people (the volunteers) are what make Post Falls great.”

Post Falls is a member of the Association of Idaho Cities, and the volunteers have paid for two youths for the last two to three years to attend the association’s annual conference in Idaho Falls.

Since the volunteers do so much good for the community, some might wonder why so little is heard about them.

“I believe people see those helping, but because they’re part of the community, observers don’t realize this is an actual organization,” Steele says.

The volunteers raise money with food concessions at events and receive support from local vendors that donate materials and local businesses that sponsor the activities. Businesses include Sterling Savings, Washington Trust and Les Schwab.

Working with others the volunteers are making a difference.

And Mayor Larkin is proud.

“The volunteers are great at providing a service in the area and bringing people together. We get a lot of positive comments from other communities when learning about the work they do. We’re proud to have them and pleased they provide such a wonderful service. We hope to have them here for a long time.”

Haug adds, “The Post Falls Volunteers is a great organization. People should think about joining and making a difference.”