Giving Tree aids less fortunate

SANDPOINT — The Association of Bonner County Employees has taken on a bear of a Yuletide task.

Every Christmas, the employee association organizes a toy and food drive to help less fortunate folks in Bonner County. They usually receive about a hundred applicants.

“This year we have 190,” said Chris Quayle, the county’s jury commissioner.

For the fourth year in a row, the association has put a Christmas tree in the lobby of the Bonner County Administration Building. Affixed to its branches are bear ornaments that have a gift request for a needy individual.

Members of the public can select a bear tag and purchase a gift. The wrapped gift and the bear tag must be returned to Quayle or Randi Flaherty in the Bonner County Recorder’s Office by Friday, Dec. 14.

There’s also a collection box for food donations in the lobby.

The drive’s sponsors, which include Veterans Assistance and the Victim Advocate Services Team, will deliver the gifts before Christmas.

“Thanks to all that can reach deep into their pockets and give back to people who really need it, this maybe their only gift they receive this year. Let’s make it a good one for them,” said Flaherty.

For more information contact Quayle or Flaherty at 255-3630, extension 2152 and extension 1320, respectively.