Supplying the Basics
ABC FOOD BANK
Federal and state assistance programs do not cover the purchase of personal hygiene, household, pet care products, and more. Most food banks do not receive federal or state funding for these same items as well. Bestowing the Basics exists to help provide these items to those who need it by hosting a monthly event called, Supplying the Basics.
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We work closely with the food bank, making weekly deliveries of food, through our partnership with Athol Dollar General. Furthermore, we assist the food bank by hosting collection drives, planning events, promoting their needs on social media and more.
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The food bank is located at the Athol Community Center and is open every Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Managed by Charlotte Hooper.
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We deeply appreciate Charlotte and her amazing team of volunteers who embrace our help and the regular contributions we make to help feed and care for our local families.
Feeding the Need
NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS
Feeding the Need consists of events and resources that aim to provide free nourishment to those in need. Although, we host events, including our community meal and summer lunch program as a means to connect with our community, need or not.
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When circumstances and logistics allow, we host a monthly evening dinner, Fall through Spring, at The Country Boy Cafe or the Athol Community Center. We announce and promote this event on social media, through printed flyers, and word of mouth.
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Every Tuesday, June through August, we provide area children and teens free summer lunches, from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at the Athol City Park, located under the brown covered pavilion.
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Outside, next to the Careywood Fire Station, our free community pantry stands in her red and white glory [to match the fire station]. Available 24/7, this pantry is open to all, and is replenished on a regular basis. Items will vary depending on the weather.
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These are just some of the ways we nourish our neighbors.
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Period Pouch Program
FREE & ACCESSIBLE FEMININE HYGIENE
When we learned young women were struggling to obtain feminine hygiene products, inside and outside of school, due to a variety of reasons and circumstances beyond their control, we felt called to do something about.
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What first began with a small cosmetic pouch that included an assortment of feminine hygiene products, later developed into a 3-tier utility cart, stationed inside girls restrooms throughout north Idaho elementary, middle, and high schools.
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​Our period pouches were so popular, they quickly became a tool that 5th grade teachers would use for the Growth & Development class every spring.
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In three years, we supplied 1,000 period pouches and 5 feminine hygiene carts at 4 schools within the Lakeland Joint School District. In 2025, we will branch out to our third school district in north Idaho, providing 6 hygiene carts to the CDA school district.
Young Hearts
FOR SENIORS
More information coming soon!
Winter Blessings
When Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the horizon, we partner with area agencies, schools, small businesses, and like-minded individuals to bless families in need. Throughout the year, our volunteers take advantage of great deals and sale, shopping in advance to prepare for Winter Blessings.
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In addition to families we assist directly, we also support the ABC Food Bank's Tree of Sharing, and have gifted groups of children from Athol, Garwood, and Spirit Lake Elementary.
We have gifted hundreds of families, especially children and teens items that they want and need, and could not otherwise afford.