Community gives generously after burglary
For ABC Food Bank Director Charlotte Hooper, the outpouring of community support in the face of tragedy was like the Christmas miracle of a Hollywood movie.
“I felt like George Bailey in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ when the people came to George’s aid when Uncle Billy lost the deposit,” Hooper said. “Thank you for all your response so quickly, so generously. What an honor to serve in this community.”
More than $13,000 in donations were raised in the wake of the Dec. 20 burglary of the food bank, which serves Athol, Bayview and Careywood.
At press time, three suspects were in custody, with the possibility of more to come. More than $3,700 in cash and gift cards was stolen, plus an untold amount of wrapped gifts that were torn open.
More than 100 people and organizations made donations for which there is a record.
“Many anonymous donations were made and I want to let them all know how thankful and blessed the ABC Food Bank is from these donations,” Hooper said. “The people came to our aid immediately. Showering us with these donations, gifts, food, shopping, volunteering, your kind word, concern, love and caring for this community and all their need.”
Here’s the ABC Food Bank’s list of donors who had requested written receipts, in the order their donations were received:
Long Rifle Ranch; James and Sheelagh Lynn; Millard and Sandra Beaird; Larry and Nora Abell; Sterling Mining Co.; Roxanne Kusler; Merritt Brothers Lumber Co. Inc.; Victory Auto Parts; Charles Sellier; Grizzly Adams Productions; C and L Repair; Hayden Community Volunteers; Bitter End Marina, LLC; All Seasons Heating and Air Inc.; Baker Construction and Development Inc.
David and Margaret Baker; Herbert D. Huseland Sr.; Northwood Veterinary Hospital; Gorden and Ardella Lucas; Patricia Perry; Lynn Taylor; Robert and Gail Pinto; Bla Bar Inc.; Charles Blakley; Cindy and Gary Hopkins; Clinton and Jamie Darnell; Steffani Lippert; Amanda Tedor; Sally and Claude Mandis; Renee Vanek.
Deverne and Shirley Taylor; Dan and Ellen Oster; Kevin and Robin Illies; C.E. and Gail Waller; Dennis and Dora Vandyke; D.R. and C.H. Gardner Jr.; Timberlake Firefighters Assn.; Don and Kathleen Rabe; James and Claudia Schroder; Jerry and Christine Gee; Michael and Judith Robinson; D. J. and D.L. Daffern; Jim and Alma Harroun; Lee, Lee and Lee Corp./ Crossroads Express; Cydco Co; Roger and Linda Rivers; Shirley Baker; Marrion E. Newsam Banks.
Deanna and Mark Kazemba; Dwight and Nancy Poole; Carlos and Georgiann Delgadillo; Annie McMahon; Hobart Jenkins; Krista Brown; Roger and Joanne Haines; Katherine Taylor; Linda Hackbath; Raymond and Cheryl Ann Wineinger; Gerald and Janis Magnuson; Barbara and Peter Balbi; C.W. Builders; Hayden Lake Eagles No. F.O.E. Social Fund; Avista Foundation; BAB Women’s Club; Tom and Leata Judd; Edwin and Montana Carter.
Bob and Jean Moore; Arnold and Associated Insurance; TOPS ID 272, Athol; Elsie and Robert Gowdy; Alvin and Patricia Wilkie; Silverwood Theme Park; Heaven Possibilities Postal; Rathdrum-Hauser Eagles; McMahon; Klair Davis; Les and Judy Wilson; Steffani Lippert/ Lippert Heavy Equipment.
Rusty Car Coffee; Birdsall Construction and Foundation; North County Propane; Kelly Pielop; IRS Environment; Timberlake Junior High School; Michael and Pamela Henkoski; TSG; Harold and Christian Markiewicz; Jay and Gloria Turkovsky/ JT Products Designs; Taryn Hecker; Log Spirit B and B; Bayview Community Center Potluck Donors; Mrs. Booth; Kootenai County Sheriff Posse; Karletta Berry; Jon Guinn; Kathy Cramer; Kim Cramer; Moose Meadows.
Peggy Stikney; Ellery Howard; Rebeca Millard; Joey Haines; Ethel McDaniel; George Grandy; Tony Neblett; Chris Jacobson; Riley Family; Jeromy Neblett; Andersen’s; Norman Family; Tony Gearhardt; Donna Shove; Dana and Bob Adams; Jerry, Ryan, Tom and Rita Neelon; Kevin Cooke; Tom Jaffray; Chuck Waller; Ernest and Mary Ellen Marston; Janet Kinzer; Christmas For All.
“The thieves meant this for evil, but God meant it for good,” Hooper said. “Your response turned this awful situation into blessings for us all. I have always said this small community has a big heart; Yes, this love was shown to all.”