PSNI nearing remodel goal

SANDPOINT — A grant from the Idaho Selkirk Assoc. Realtors has put Panhandle Special Needs Inc., within fingertip reach of meetings its fundraising goals for finishing the remainder of its remodeling projects.

The $625 grant pushes PSNI within $3,136 of its $15,000 goal by July 1, said fundraising coordinator Lois Miller.

So far, PSNI has raised $11,864, she said. An anonymous donor has agreed to match PSNI’s efforts up to $15,000 if the organization’s supporters can raise the money by the July deadline. Miller said the final project is estimated at more than $30,000.

“It’s just amazing what happens in this community,” she said.

PSNI is close to completing a remodeling project that began more than a year ago when Miller and some friends took on the organization as part of a Pay It Forward project inspired by an episode on Oprah Winfrey’s television show.

That effort included a KXLY Home Makeover that netted PSNI a new bathroom and improved its kitchen, hallway and entry space.

Additional fundraising efforts helped add square footage to the Boyer facility’s work room.

However, the project is not complete because a large central training and staff office area still needs work, she said.

Miller believes the organization will reach its goal because of its ongoing Pennies for PSNI project in which coin jars have been placed at businesses around the county and plans for a yard sale extravaganza set for June 14.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and donations will gladly accepted.

The event will include food for sale, games for kids, a half and half cash raffle, bake sale and plants.

An open house and tours will be given “So people can see how far we have come and what we have left to do,” said Miller.

“We are progressing thanks to this community,” she said.

The fundraising and remodeling projects have made many people aware of the services Panhandle Special Needs provides, Miller said.

PSNI not only trains disabled teenagers and adults to live and work independently, but also to help those who may not be able to live or work on their own to develop skills that gives them and their families more independence.

Anyone who is interested in making a donation to the yard sale can contact Lois Miller at 263-1794. Monetary donations can be mailed to PSNI at 1424 N. Boyer, Sandpoint, ID 83864.