6 minute read
LIFE & COMMUNITY
BOUNDARY COUNTY GIVE & RECEIVE
The spirit of Christmas lives year-round
By Hannah Sucsy Willis
17 BonnersFerryLivingLocal.com The beauty of this is that it wasn’t just two people doing nice things. This was spurring dozens of people to help others, strangers or not. I t all started with a mattress set that Alison Henslee set out to donate on behalf of her mom. In addition to the person who ended up with the bed, there were five or six more people who were interested in the item. One of those was a single mother of four in need of a bed for her 6-year-old son. Alison put the word out, generosity came out of the woodwork, and soon this boy had a brand new bed. Alison became aware of other needs of this family, and with the help of a few friends, she soon had a car full of everything to take care of this family's immediate needs. The mother was absolutely overjoyed and deeply touched, and she promised to pay it forward. For Alison, the joy of giving combined with a new awareness of needs was enough to light a spark to do more. She created a post on Bonners Ferry Facebook Yard Sale site asking people what one thing they needed for the holidays that they were unable to afford. One of the comments on the post was from Aaron Supernant, who was excited about Alison’s vision, and he volunteered to help track requests and whatever else was needed. "I really feel like Aaron should get most of the credit,” says Alison. “I fielded calls, followed up on posts and organized volunteers from my warm living room, but Aaron was truly the muscle behind the Giving Spirit of Christmas operation. He filled the gaps in my list, organized wood splitters and haulers, trouble-shot vehicle issues, paid bills, bought gifts, wrestled mattresses and was good-natured—even when he was in pain and I was bossy!" Six beds, two or three bills, rent money, presents/decorations for eight families, vehicle repairs or parts, firewood and too many gifts to count were donated in just three weeks. The beauty of this is that it wasn’t just two people doing nice things. This was spurring dozens of people to help others, strangers or not. Alison and Aaron knew that they couldn’t just let it die, so they decided to create a new Facebook group to carry out the same mission—year-round! Like and follow Boundary County Give & Receive (on Facebook) to participate in this inspirational connection of generosity. If you want to be part of it but you aren’t on Facebook, you are welcome to contact Alison at aghenslee@ gmail.com or 208.610.8806.
REGISTRATION FOR SPRING SPORTS IS HERE!
BY ABIGAIL THORPE
Idaho’s gateway in the north welcomes a local to its Park and Recs family. Sarah Skinner—a Bonners Ferry lifer—recently became the new Parks and Rec Youth Sports director for Boundary County. Skinner grew up on a grain farm in District 1, and when it came time to raise her own family, she decided she wanted her children to experience the same amazing childhood she had in the country, and so she moved back onto the farm in Bonners.
She grew up playing sports and developed a deep love of it at a young age. Parks and Rec sports were the first organized team sports she played and allowed her a healthy and fun outlet for her competitive nature. “Some of my best childhood memories involve Parks and Rec baseball and soccer. It really just felt natural that I would be involved in this organization as an adult,” she says.
Skinner is passionate about creating access to sports for all kids in her community and looks forward to continuing the athletic program through Parks and Rec. “I am excited to share my love of sports with my children, and now through Parks and Rec Sports I am able to share that love with all kids in our community,” she adds. The athletic program is gearing up for the spring, with softball and baseball starting out this year’s sports schedule. The season runs April 14 through May 21, and the registration deadline for both is March 28, so make sure to sign up soon! Registration forms are available outside of the Parks Office at 7171 5th Street across from the tennis courts and are also available online at Boundarycountyid.org/site-page/parks-andrecreation. It is a great opportunity for kids to get out and develop their sports abilities while enjoying a team environment and meeting new friends. It is open to all kids who want to participate, regardless of skill level.
Parks and Recs relies on volunteers to fuel its athletic program, and there are many opportunities for those wanting to get involved with the organization, including a need for coaches, referees, scorekeepers and sponsors. Skinner can be reached at 208.304.3603 or bcpark_rec@yahoo. com for anyone interested in volunteering.
“I also want to say thank you to past, present and future volunteers and sponsors,” says Skinner. “Without you this organization would not be possible.”
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