Drive raises tons of food

SANDPOINT — Braving wind, snow, and cold temperatures, nearly 1,500 people turned out to donate food to the Bonner Community Food Bank, bringing in 5,700 pounds of food.

The final night of Tom Sherry’s Ski Free Food Drive was hosted at Schweitzer Mountain Resort was March 7.

The event saw some last minute modifications, as the weather moved the food drive from the outside in Schweitzer Village to inside of the Lakeview Lodge. When the winds picked up, so did the tent — literally, and so did the amount of people coming to donate. But despite the minor revision, the night was an overall success.

While it only required three cans of food to receive one lift ticket, many people donated above and beyond, and some didn’t even take a lift ticket.

Schweitzer staff and food bank volunteers worked hard to manage the lift lines, direct the crowds, and collect and transport the food to the truck, donated by Lighthouse Foods for the event.

“We weren’t sure what kind of turnout to expect due to weather and road conditions as well as Schweitzer’s proximity to Spokane and surrounding areas, but this was amazing,” Mary Weber-Quinn, Schweitzer events and activities director, .

“There was so much local support behind the event and it truly demonstrated the spirit of this community.”

Schweitzer Mountain Resort was the final location to host the Ski Free Food Drive that has traveled from mountain to mountain over the last five weeks. In total, this food drive has raised more than 20,000 pounds of food for the local food banks.

To make a donation, visit the Bonner Community Food Bank at 921 N 5th Avenue, Sandpoint, ID  83864.