Angels announce grant awards

In an effort to help as many Bonner County citizens as possible, the Angels Over Sandpoint has for the past 15 years given many grants to community non-profits and other organizations involved in health, education, and youth-oriented projects and services here in Bonner County.

These grants, which are given out in the spring and the fall, came about when the Angels realized that they were not able to reach out for the many aspects of need that are in the community. The Angels also realized there are other organizations that did many things better than they did and the Community Grant Program was born. 

This year a total of $13,000 has been given for 16 different grants; everything from art supplies for children, various kitchen equipment for food prep for seniors, toys for tots, music programs, essential emergency financial aid, a computer, financial assistance for medical care, special school programs and even supplies to preserve “The World’s Longest Ski Hat.” There have been grants for the purchase of food for various programs such as Food for our Children, NAMI, Sandpoint Teen Center and other programs. Each grant is not a huge amount but is much appreciated by the recipient as it enables them to purchase what they need to help others.

Over the years The Angels Over Sandpoint has designed and initiated a very successful Back to School Program, supplying students in grades K-12 whose families need the extra help in Bonner County with backpacks full of the necessary items to start the school year. This includes not only the Lake Pend Oreille School district and charter schools, but home-school kids as well. With the help of generous donors, this program has grown. It started with just a few supplies and has grown to over 800 backpacks filled with everything a student needs to start their school year.

Angels Over Sandpoint has also been able to assist other non-profits that do the work that is near and dear to their hearts. Through the Navigation Services at Health and Welfare, they provide one-time rent and utility help to people who are not otherwise eligible for public assistance. Priest River Advocates for Women receives assistance to give emergency shelter to abused women and men. The Food Bank receives a yearly stipend to purchase feminine hygiene products. Scholarships are given out for the trades, music and even for the ski program for kids.

All this, of course, is done with fundraising events, such as the annual Angel Golf Tournament, The Follies, raffles and by donations from several institutions and much-appreciated generous donors who help fund these programs.

The Angels Over Sandpoint can be reached at the website Angelsoversandpoint.org, the Facebook page Angels Over Sandpoint, by email at contactus@angelsoversandpoint.org, or by phone at 208-290-5895.