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While kindness is a sentiment that is never seasonal, it especially comes to the forefront of the winter season. There are more opportunities to ensure our community members are cared for throughout the holidays on both sides of the state line and throughout the Tri County (Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille) area. With that in mind, below is a list of services and resources to help those in need. If we’ve missed an organization you think should be on here, contact us [email protected] and we will update the list.
Free Coats
There are free coats for adults and children at Mellany’s Bakery, Café and Soup Kitchen, located at 412 River Rd., Usk. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment or documentation is necessary. For more information, call 509-445-1412.
Tree of Angels
The Annual Tree of Angels Christmas Gift drive is going on now through Dec. 10. Members of the community are invited to help provide presents to eligible homeless students and their siblings. Tags that need to be filled will be available on Christmas trees located at Selkirk Ace Hardware; Super1Foods; Mountain West Bank Newport Branch; Newport’s Post Office; Owen’s Grocery, Deli & Soda Fountain and Kelly’s Bar & Grill.
Tags and un-wrapped presents need to be delivered to Mountain West Bank at 330 N. Washington Ave., before Wednesday, Dec. 11. Contact the YES of Pend Oreille County office for more information at 509-447-1125 or email [email protected].
Newport Food Bank
The Newport Food Bank provides produce, non-perishables and toiletries to people mostly living in the 99156 zip code. Hours are Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The food bank is located at 310 ½ W. Pine St., Newport. For more information, call 509-553-0467.
Cusick Food Pantry
The Cusick Food Pantry provides non-perishable food items, fresh protein and produce to residents in the 99119, 99180 and part of the 99156 zip code areas. Hours are Tuesdays, 9-10:30 a.m. It’s located at 402 Riverside Rd. in the basement of the Pend Oreille Bible Church. For more information, call 509-939-2349 or 509-9393227.
Emergency Food Pantry of Ione
The Food Pantry serves Ione as well as other outlying areas such as Metaline and Metaline Falls, functioning out of an 8 foot by 25 foot railroad car beside the Catholic Church. It also operates a backpack program that sends extra food home with children over the weekends. Hours are Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. It’s located at 302 N. 8th St., Ione. For more information, call 509-6753307.
Bonner Community Food Bank
The food bank is a food resource for low-income families, disabled individuals, children and senior citizens in times of emergency. All resources at the food bank are free. Hours are Tuesdays, 12-5:30 p.m., and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s located at 45 S. McKinley St. Suite 107, Priest River.
For more information, call 208-448-4989.
Priest River Animal Rescue
PRAR provides free pet food to low-income pet owners from supplies donated by local merchants and citizens. Food is available in the rescue’s food bank bin located outside the front door at 5538 Hwy. 2, Priest River. No appointment or documentation is necessary. For more information, call 208-448-0699.
Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women
The ministries provides shelter, advocacy, guidance and support for women and children of domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking. It also provides clothing and supplies to families in crisis in the community. It’s located at 6501 Hwy. 2, Priest River, and also has outreach offices in Spirit Lake and Sandpoint.
For more information, call the main office at 208-448-2800.
Priest River Community Church
The church serves as a warming center when winter temperatures fall below freezing. It’s located at 49 Washington St., Priest River.
For more information, call 208-448-2115.
