Groups collecting back-to-school supplies

It’s time to start thinking about back to school

Camp Fire USA and the Salvation Army are doing their part to make it possible for low-income kids to start the first day of school with everything they’ll need to have a successful year. Camp Fire USA’s “Kids Helping Kids Back to School” supply drive begins on Saturday and ends next Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. next Sunday, Camp Fire volunteers and collection barrels will be positioned at numerous locations all over Spokane to collect school supplies for children and community agencies in need. For more information and collection barrel locations, call Kaitlyn Bolduc at (509) 747-6191, ext. 29.

Also, the Salvation Army will be having a school supplies drive through Saturday. Collection barrels will be set up at ShopKo stores in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

Donations will make it possible for low-income students and children staying at Sally’s House, a Salvation Army emergency foster-care program, to begin the school year with the supplies they’ll need. For more information, call Christy Markham at (509) 329-2732 .

Cruise helps shelter

How’s this for a great combo: cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene with the Red Hot Mamas and raise money for two great causes at the same time.

On Saturday, the Red Hot Mamas 2006 Tropical Cruise sets sail at 5 p.m.

Entertainment for the evening will include classic rock ‘n’ roll dancing, a musical and comedy show, a silent auction and prizes. Tropical attire is suggested.

Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Center Shelter and the North Idaho College scholarship fund. Tickets are $20 for those 10 and older, and $18 for those younger than 10 or older than 70.

Tickets can be purchased at the North Idaho College box office or the Women’s Center Shelter. For more information, call (208) 772-7439.

Festival benefits charities

The fifth annual Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival returns next weekend to benefit Medical Lake charities.

Held at Waterfront Park in Medical Lake, the three-day bluegrass and classic country event begins Friday and headlines The Wilders and The Biscuit Burners.

Many local and regional bands, such as Jackstraw and Big Red Barn, will be returning for their fifth year.

Tent and RV camping will be available for $10.

Tickets are $25 for a weekend pass or $15 for a one-day pass. Children 12 and under will be admitted free, and Friday is free for everyone.

Profits from the event will benefit Dollars for Scholars, Friends for Children and the Medical Lake Community Center.

To order tickets, call the West Plains Chamber of Commerce at (509) 235-8480 or TicketsWest at (509) 325-SEAT (7328). Schedule and festival information is available at www.bluewatersbluegrass.org.

Treat Day to aid children

Dairy Queen will hold its first North American Miracle Treat Day on Thursday.

For every Blizzard treat sold, Dairy Queen will donate all proceeds to the Children’s Miracle Network. All money raised will stay in the community.

Children’s Miracle Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and saving the lives of children by raising money for children’s hospitals. For a Dairy Queen location nearest you, visit www.dairyqueen.com.