Warm Hearts drive exceeds fundraising goal

SANDPOINT — The Warm Hearts Winter Drive, hosted by Columbia Banks across the Northwest, exceeded surpassed its 2016 fundraising goal by 30 percent, raising $209,335.96 and 8,140 winter attire items for homeless shelters and organizations.

In December, David Devine, senior vice-president and marketing manager for Columbia Bank, told the Daily Bee that all funds and items collected in a local community benefit the organization or organizations in that community. Donations collected at Columbia Bank branches in Bonner County benefit Bonner Homeless Transitions.

Tamie Martinsen, program manager for Bonner Homeless Transitions' Blue Haven home in Sandpoint, told the Daily Bee last month that benefits like the Warm Hearts Winter Drive help tremendously, because they serve a lot of children and are determined to make sure the kids have warm coats, boots and gloves in the winter.

"Last year we received lots of coats and gloves and things like that through this campaign," she said. "We definitely appreciate the partnership and it's really exciting to have them doing this for us."

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of homeless people in the Northwest increased 6 percent since 2015, leaving 34,000 people struggling to receive essential services and stay off the street during the overcrowded winter months at underfunded shelters. Devine said the drive was started last year by employees who saw a problem in their communities.

“We are so proud of our employees, customers and community who rallied together again this year to raise awareness of this growing issue and make a real difference,” said Melanie Dressel, President and CEO of Columbia Bank in a statement last week. “The Warm Hearts Winter Drive was created to benefit the growing number of people who are impacted by homelessness and are struggling to receive essential services during our cold and rainy winter months.”