Consider donating what you don’t need as you declutter this spring.

 

If you are in a season of life where volunteering or financially donating to noble causes isn't feasible, there are still ways to give back to your community as you go about your daily life. Consider donating what you don’t need to Priest River Ministries (PRM) and/or Helping Hands Healing Hearts (HHHH) as you declutter this spring.

 

No one quite knows where the idea of ‘Spring cleaning’ comes from. Some think it has to do with cultural traditions that view spring as a time of renewal and the act of cleaning the home as one of purification. Others say it was a historical necessity. As the weather warmed up, homes needed to air out. Accumulated soot, dust, and other debris trapped inside homes sealed during the winter required deliberate removal. Whatever the reason, spring cleaning is an American pastime. Many are quick to donate unwanted items to places like Goodwill or local food banks, which are excellent options. However, don’t forget there are other local organizations in the greater Bonner County area that could also benefit from your donations.

 

Priest River Ministries is on a mission to offer hope to women and children who are victims of domestic violence and/or trafficking. They offer counseling, food, basic items, emergency shelter, paralegal assistance, support groups, employment services and more free of charge. Similarly, HHHH provides clothing and food while also offering financial relief in the form of vouchers, direct payments and gift cards to anyone (male or female) who needs it.

 

Terms like 'support,' 'advocacy,' and 'empowerment' may seem like nonprofit clichés but they are fundamental concepts at PRM. These action-oriented buzzwords are fully embodied by PRM as they come alongside women in their time of need, offering a comprehensive roadmap to productive independence. Last year, PRM housed 120 people in emergency shelters. This includes children and those rescued from sex trafficking.

 

“People don’t believe trafficking is happening here, they are wrong,” said freshly appointed executive director of PRM Julie Bruceri.

 

Both PRM and HHHH are faith-based organizations. Both come alongside individuals when they may be at the lowest point in their lives. While PRM specializes in helping female abuse victims, HHHH assists anyone who finds themselves in need whether due to abuse or not. The HHHH store is free of charge and individuals can shop once a month for whatever they need. Additionally, HHHH provides financial support up to $150 a year by way of rent assistance, shower vouchers, bus tickets and more. When HHHH can’t meet a financial need, they network with other groups such as St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Salvation Army to meet said need. Clients of HHHH are never given cash. Rent or utility assistance is paid directly to the biller by HHHH.

 

Chryl McCarty is also newly appointed as executive director of HHHH. She says they see the need for resources like those that HHHH and PRM provide rising every day. Helping Hands Healing Hearts is responding to the need with a big dream: The Samaritan Village. With the land already purchased, they hope to break ground on a new HHHH center and a variety of temporary housing, including duplexes and triplexes through building phases. The homeless population continues to rise in Sandpoint and Section 8 housing in Idaho has a waitlist of one year. McCarty is also the executive director of Bonner Partners in Care , another nonprofit that provides health care financial assistance. In 2023, HHHH assisted 125 homeless individuals, 20% of whom were children.

 

Both organizations rely on community donations to stock their free-of-charge storefronts. The Helping Hands Healing Hearts storefront is open on Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lydia’s, located in Priest River and operated as part of Priest River Ministries, is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lydia’s offers free clothing and supplies to community members once a month, with no income or address check required for access. Additionally, PRM has an outreach program in Spirit Lake.

 

As you embark on spring cleaning, consider making a donation to one of our locally run and operated charities doing so much to help the Bonner and Boundary County regions. If you know someone in need, point them to PRM or HHHH. Both Bruceri and McCarty said one of their biggest problems is simply getting the word out that they exist. The next step being getting those who need the help to be unafraid to seek it. Priest River Ministries even has resources for the individual wanting to come alongside someone else who has been a victim of abuse. There can be a lot of undeserved shame associated with using any of the services provided by either organization.

 

McCarty told a story of a woman who was at HHHH and said she felt guilty for shopping since there were “probably others who needed the help more.” A sentiment heard often.

 

"Well, you need it. We help fill the gap. It’s ok,” McCarty told the shopper.

 

When you donate to HHHH or PRM, you help fill that gap. We encourage you to take the time to intentionally sort through your belongings this spring cleaning season and to give generously. If you really don’t have extra stuff you can part with...they take checks too.

 

Giving Guide

 

Please Donate

 

PRM: Children’s swimsuits, Snacks for kids, New underwear, Tampons, Socks (adult and child), Kids clothing in 4T - 14/16, Pajamas, Cases of water

 

HHHH: Summer clothing, Shelf stable food

 

Please Do NOT Donate

 

PRM: Toys, Adult Diapers

 

HHHH: High end clothing, Business Clothing

 

Both: Moldy clothes, clothes with mothballs and/or ripped and stained clothing. Believe it or not people frequently donate clothing in terrible shape. If you have been storing the clothes in a dark spot, damp space or somewhere bugs or rodents could get to it, check it before you drop it off. If you wouldn’t wear it in public, don’t donate.

 

How to Donate

 

PRM: Donations preferred at Priest River location

 

HHHH: Can donate clothing and non perishable food any time during open hours or in the wooden donation box when closed

 

Know you need to get decluttering but lack the motivation? Read our blog about what donating does for you.

 

Giving Animals a Second Chance in Boundary County

Giving Animals a Second Chance

By Connie Kiehn • April 23, 2025
Founded in 1998 by a passionate group of women, Second Chance Animal Adoption has grown from backyard shelters to a vital community resource in Bonners Ferry. Focused on reuniting lost pets with their families and finding forever homes for abandoned animals, the shelter thrives on community support, thrift store proceeds, and a growing network of foster families. With about 22 animals in care at any given time, Second Chance is currently seeking more foster volunteers and encouraging adoptions—like that of Chance, their sweet and silly yellow Lab. Their upcoming microchip clinic on May 24 at Tractor Supply is another way they're making a difference, ensuring pets can be quickly reunited with their owners.

Love With Our Actions

By Linnis Jellinek • April 6, 2025
​Love in Action Idaho is revolutionizing community support by connecting donors directly with specific needs in Bonner County. Through their online registry, you can choose exactly where your contribution goes, ensuring 100% of your donation aids those facing challenges. Discover how you can make a tangible difference today at Love in Action Idaho's website.

Strength in Inclusion

By Linnis Jellinek • March 27, 2025
When Kelli Bult couldn’t find a fitness space that welcomed her son Caleb—born 10 weeks premature with unique physical and cognitive needs—she created one. What began as a personal journey turned into a powerful nonprofit: The Unique Center for Athletes of All Needs (UCAN). UCAN is not your average gym. It’s a community-driven, adaptive fitness center that empowers individuals of all abilities to move, grow, and thrive together. From padded play structures and wheelchair-accessible equipment to inclusive classes and tiered pricing, UCAN is redefining what accessibility looks like in the fitness world—and beyond. 💪 Fitness meets inclusion 💡 Innovation meets compassion ❤️ A nonprofit model that lifts everyone Learn how this mom turned a challenge into a movement, and how your support can help UCAN grow even stronger.
7B Care Clinic - More Than Ultrasounds

More Than Ultrasounds

By Linnis Jellinek • March 11, 2025
When you think of pregnancy resource centers, you might picture a place for those in crisis—but 7B Care Clinic is so much more. From free ultrasounds and parenting education to mentoring programs for fathers and financial coaching, they provide long-term support for families in all situations.

A Firm Foundation

By Linnis Jellinek • March 4, 2025
Since 1974, Innovia has been a powerful force for philanthropy, helping communities thrive through strategic grants, donor support, and nonprofit sustainability initiatives. As a large community foundation, with $200 million in assets and $124 million in grants awarded, Innovia plays a critical role in supporting organizations across Bonner and Boundary counties. Through endowments, coaching, and fundraising initiatives, Innovia helps nonprofits become more sustainable and less reliant on unpredictable grant cycles. With programs like the Thriving Community Summit on March 17th and the Live Give 7B Campaign (April 14-18), Innovia continues to foster collaboration, financial stability, and community-driven philanthropy. Learn how Innovia is making an impact in North Idaho and how you can get involved! 📅 Thriving Community Summit – March 17th, Spokane 📅 Live Give 7B Campaign – April 14-18, ending with a celebration at Matchwood Brewing
Senior advocacy and the importance of community support for aging populations in Bonner County

Honoring Paul Graves and the Future of the Geezer Forum

February 19, 2025
Aging comes with unique challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to share wisdom and build stronger communities. In our latest blog, we sit down with Paul Graves, founder of the Geezer Forum and Elder Advocates, along with Lisa Bond from the Sandpoint Senior Center, to discuss the importance of community support for seniors. With 30% of Bonner County’s population over 65 and issues like healthcare, transportation, and financial security being top concerns, we explore how initiatives like the Geezer Forum Podcast will preserve stories, provide resources, and strengthen intergenerational connections. Read on to learn how we’re ensuring that aging in Bonner County means aging with dignity and support.
Chrystle Horvath, Executive Director of Bonner Community Housing Agency, discussing the urgent need

Helping Through Housing

By Linnis Jellinek • February 18, 2025
Affordable housing is a critical issue in Bonner County, and over 300 families are currently on the Bonner Community Housing Agency (BCHA) waiting list. In our latest blog, we sit down with Chrystle Horvath, Executive Director of BCHA, to discuss her journey into housing advocacy, the growing need for affordable homes, and how BCHA is working to provide secure housing for essential workers like nurses, teachers, and first responders. With an ambitious goal of 100 new affordable homes in the next five years, BCHA is making a lasting impact—but they need community support to make it happen. Read more to learn how you can help!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Digital Navigator

By Linnis Jellinek • February 8, 2025
Your Friendly Neighborhood Digital Navigator Quantifying what our Digital Navigator, Chris Watson, brings to the EnVision Center can be a little tricky. Not because it is especially complex but because there is such a wide variety of tasks and talents he employs here to help clients. We are very fortunate to have access to these skills through his placement with us via AmeriCorps . To understand Chris's role, it helps to first understand what AmeriCorps does. As Chris explains, the best way to think of AmeriCorps is as a domestic counterpart to the Peace Corps—while the Peace Corps focuses on international aid, AmeriCorps addresses pressing issues within the U.S. like hunger, disaster relief, and illiteracy. Chris is part of the American Connection Corps (ACC), a program within AmeriCorps dedicated to closing the digital divide. ACC focuses on providing broadband access and promoting digital literacy, particularly in rural areas. By improving connectivity, the goal is to foster economic development in underserved communities. Chris’s term of service is one year, with the possibility of renewing it for up to four years. A key idea behind the ACC is that long-term success comes from training local community members, who already understand the culture and have built trust, rather than bringing in outsiders. Chris is a great fit for this model, as he split his childhood between Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, giving him deep roots in the area. Ironically, Chris didn’t even know what a Digital Navigator was when he first applied. “Construction is very physical, and my body was breaking down, so I was looking for a change. I saw the AmeriCorps ad on Indeed and applied on a whim,” Chris recalls. It turns out that Chris’s role as a Digital Navigator has become a dream job—one he doesn’t want to leave. Digital Navigators come from all walks of life, and the most important qualification isn’t a tech background, but the ability to connect with the community. In exchange for their service, navigators receive a stipend, service hours, and an education award or scholarship. Host sites like the EnVision Center provide mentorship, but other organizations, such as universities and libraries, can also serve as hosts. Chris has been with the EnVision Center for just over a quarter, and much of his client base comes from word of mouth. He offers both phone and in-person assistance and hosts educational sessions on a range of topics, from using Google Workspace to understanding cybersecurity. Chris also helps clients recognize and protect themselves from phishing scams and identity theft. While his typical clients tend to be older adults, he’s found that even younger people often need help navigating desktop computers and maximizing software capabilities, despite being proficient with phones or tablets. While assisting with technology, Chris also keeps an eye out for broader ways the EnVision Center can serve clients who come to him for help. “I try to make a personal connection with people because they’re people first,” says Chris. “I’m here to help, whether it’s with a technology issue or something deeper. It’s about serving the community and giving back. This is my job, and that’s what I do—serve clients.” At the EnVision center, Chris helped us set up our reader board and get our podcast on Spotify. He has also been instrumental in assisting with grant writing for the EnVision Center, and his contributions extend far beyond just digital support. We are incredibly grateful for Chris’s dedication, and with his continued support, we look forward to expanding our impact and serving even more members of our community. 

Shelter Meets Salvation at Bonner Gospel Mission

By Linnis Jellinek • January 28, 2025
Bonner Gospel Mission (BGM) has been a cornerstone of service in Bonner County for decades, operating out of Ponderay. While most locals are familiar with its location and purpose, there are still some misconceptions, and it's easy to overlook the profound impact BGM makes in the community. Bonner Gospel Mission is not simply a shelter for men, they are a ministry first that exists to see God move in the lives of the men that come through their doors. The organization's core belief is that once men hear the gospel their lives will begin to change and soon they won’t need the support BGM offers. While food, shelter, and support for next steps are important, they are secondary to the primary goal of sharing the gospel and helping men grow spiritually. “We really look at ourselves more as a Ministry than a homeless shelter,” explains Executive Director Lucas Sheetz. “We're completely independent, we're not tied directly to any other larger organization or any church, it's just our own independent Ministry that gets supported by businesses, individuals and churches in the area so we have a different vision statement than maybe some other homeless shelters people know about.” While the gospel is at the heart of their work, BGM also provides essential services, including shelter, clothing, showers, and companionship. The shelter typically hosts about ten men at a time, providing three meals a day and helping them acquire basic necessities. Residents are expected to contribute to the upkeep of the facility and adhere to a code of conduct, which includes rules like no alcohol or drugs, respectful language, and mandatory Bible study and church attendance. On average, men stay for about 30 days, though BGM tailors support to each individual’s needs. They work with residents on a case-by-case basis, offering flexibility for those saving up for rent or needing more time to transition. BGM also partners with the EnVision Center to connect clients with job opportunities and training. One of the key differences between BGM and typical shelters is their lack of a waitlist. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with immediate placements available after an interview with Lucas, if it’s a good fit. Lucas Sheetz, who became BGM’s Executive Director in May 2024, has an unconventional path to the role. Formerly an independent landscaping and construction contractor, Lucas felt a calling from God that shifted his direction dramatically. “God woke me up in the middle of the night and said there was more he had in store for me,” Lucas recalls. “I didn’t know what it was, but I said I’d go wherever he led me.” His story resonated with the board, and soon after, Lucas was in training for the role. Now, with just one other paid employee, BGM relies heavily on volunteers and donors. The mission depends on donations for everything, from food to clothing. Community members are encouraged to bring homemade meals to the shelter, and the mission can always use frozen meals like casseroles and pastas for later use. Volunteers also help lead Bible studies, worship music, and provide transportation to church. The mission’s occasional free community dinners require upwards of 40 volunteers to run. Bonner Gospel Mission is a beacon of transformation in Bonner County, offering more than just shelter, but a genuine ministry focused on changing lives through the gospel. By providing not only basic necessities but also spiritual guidance, BGM helps men find purpose and direction as they rebuild their lives. With the ongoing support from local donors and volunteers, Bonner Gospel Mission continues to fulfill its mission with unwavering dedication. Their work reminds us all that profound change comes through faith, community, and the willingness to help others walk the path toward a brighter future.

Women In Nonprofits

By Linnis Jellinek • January 20, 2025
At the Community Resource EnVision Center, we work with a lot of women. It feels like most of our volunteers are women, and for a long time, our board was predominantly made up of women. Men represent less than a third of the attendees at our executive director co-labs. So we got curious and decided to look into it: are women as overrepresented in nonprofit work as it feels like they are? Quantifying engagement in nonprofit work is tricky. Many nonprofits don’t track who volunteers or participates on a consistent basis throughout the year. It’s not like anyone is keeping detailed records on who is chaperoning field trips or volunteering for church events. If we had access to these numbers, they would likely tell an interesting story, but they’re nearly impossible to obtain. Instead, we took a look at female involvement through the lens of board membership and paid staff positions. In Bonner and Boundary counties, nonprofits with accessible leadership data report that 58% of workers or volunteers are women. When you dig further you discover women have long been at the heart of change in our communities. In 1985, it was three women who saved the Historic Panida Theater , a beloved landmark in Sandpoint. A woman behind the creation of Lost in the '50s , now a mainstay event in Sandpoint. Two women, who in 1979 formed the Community Assistance League simply because “the town had very little for women to do, and a lot of areas in need of improvement.” Women who changed the education landscape in this area and founded hospitals. And it was the untimely death of Sandpoint resident Kathy Pelland, known for the way she selflessly gave to so many around her that inspired the formation of Angels Over Sandpoint which since 1997 has raised over $1.5 million for locals in need. In more recent years, women have continued to lead transformative projects. Katie Cox led the charge to save Sled Hill as the Executive Director of Kaniksu Land Trust. Karin Wedemeyer founded the Sandpoint Music Conservatory , nurturing local talent and creativity. Lois Renk Wythe was the inspiration and the driving force behind the creation of the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and North Idaho Native Plant Arboretum . And in 2016, 101 Women was formed, giving away two $10,000 gifts each year to support needy causes and organizations in the area. Northern Idaho stands out in its nonprofit landscape. A higher percentage of women hold leadership roles compared to general staff, suggesting that women are more likely than men to pursue or be nominated for leadership positions here. Women in Northern Idaho aren’t just leading—they’re transforming our community. From saving historic landmarks to nurturing our arts, culture, and environment, women are leaving their mark in every corner of our region. This is a testament to the unique local culture that makes our nonprofit sector thrive. Feeling inspired to make a change? Visit us at crecidaho.com/volunteer to learn how you can plug into our community. Or click on the logo below to get more information on these women led nonprofits!