'Deervember' aims to help food bank

The need is real.

The Bonner Community Food Bank has never been hit as hard as it has been this year.

An average of 3,000 people used the organization’s services a month this past year and the trend is increasing.

“In the past two years, we have seen a 53% increase,” said BCFB director Debbie Love. “We have never seen so many people in need and they are coming to us from all demographics.”

 There are the older folks who rely on Social Security but rising grocery prices have taken a substantial bite into what they can buy at stores. There are working families that can barely afford rent but make just enough over SNAP and other programs to not qualify for help. Then there are people who are just down on their luck, either living in their vehicle or homeless.

Enter Northwest Autobody and Deervember.

Since 2016, the locally-owned autobody repair shops have donated $17,000 to the food bank in a promotion that makes something good out of an event that is usually seen as a negative.

“Nobody wants to get in an accident,” said Northwest Autobody co-owner, Eric Donenfeld. “So several years ago we decided to partner with the food bank in November to not only raise awareness of deer-versus-vehicle strikes but to help our less-fortunate neighbors.”

November is the busiest month for animal collisions because of dark driving conditions, deer in rut and all animals flushed out of their habitat because of hunters and predators.

For each animal strike repaired at either Sandpoint or Ponderay NWAB shops in November, the business will give $50 to the food bank. During the past few years, Washington Trust has teamed up with NWAB and matched donations. Last year, AGE Heating and Cooling jumped on board to help and Energy Electric is helping out this season as well.

Last year, the promotion raised $2,550 bucks.

"Cash donations like we received from NWAB and Washington Trust go a long way because of our buying power and relationships with local grocery stores," Love said. "Of course, we welcome all donations whether they are in the form of food or cash. Hey, we also need volunteers!"

"November is by far the busiest month for insurance agencies and body shops," said NWAB co-owner Cory Donenfeld. "It is so gratifying knowing we are helping people in need."

Eric Donenfeld even donned a deer outfit and dashed into a Chamber of Commerce meeting last year to raise awareness while an employee wore the outfit for a series of photos on the firm's popular Facebook page.

"It is all about raising awareness, helping our community and having a little fun," said Eric Donenfeld.

Love is a huge fan of the local body shops and is often seen wearing the firm's baseball cap and even showed up for the annual check presentation photo last year with it on. The deer — aka Eric — also appeared.

The community continues to come to the aid of the Food Bank and businesses like NWAB, and Washington Trust make a huge impact, she said. She also cited organizations such as Rotary for stepping up.

"This community never ceases to amaze me or rise to the challenge," Love said.