Vietnam lawsuits

Humble support and steadfast honor: Newby-ginnings of N. Idaho

By Ruth Aresvik

VETERANS CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT

"It was born in my car."

This is how Theresa Hart likes to begin her story when she explains the plan and dream to honor her son, SPC Nicholas Newby, who had been killed in action in Iraq on July 7, 2011. On a warm summer day in 2012, Hart and her mother were driving on I-90, remembering how Nick loved his community and country.

And so it was born: Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. With strong support, Hart has grown her nonprofit into a substantial outreach that provides necessities and essential household items, including a food bank, to area active military, veterans and Gold Star families at no cost. There is no income or need requirement. All that is necessary is proof of military service, past or present, for the individual or an associated family member.

Individuals, organizations and the community – even an Eagle Scout project – have contributed to the cause. Fundraisers like the Dan Kleckner Golf Classic and the Big Bear Golf Tournament in Post Falls, Idaho are expected to return in August. The 5th Annual "Getting Dirty" Silent Auction is scheduled to be held on April 24 at D-Mac's at the Lake, in Hauser, Idaho. Spokane's Rock 94 1/2 radio sponsors "Newby Tuesday" to share the "many opportunities to drive home awareness for Newby-ginnings."

In November 2018, MountainWest Bank Real Estate launched a campaign for veterans. For every veteran home loan closed, Mountain West donates $250 to a local nonprofit that supports veterans. Hart is grateful that Newby-ginnings has benefited from this campaign. The Second Harvest Mobile Market recently made a stop at Newby-ginnings and served about 200 people. Hart hopes to have this service several times a year.

As with every person, place, or thing, Newby-ginnings has had its share of challenges amid the Covid crisis. Hart said they closed operations March through May 2020, but were still available, by appointment, for those with the highest needs. She said they got "hammered" with donations and ran out of room for storage.

The biggest hurdle was in August when their delivery truck broke down. Through the kindness of Auto Credit Sales, they borrowed and eventually bought a new truck. The expense was a huge hit to the budget. But now, the "Buck for a Truck" promotion is helping. Monetary donations can be made on the website or at the store.

With hope for the new year, Hart says that homeless veterans are "high on the list of priority." She and her staff recently outfitted "ten newly housed veterans. They come in with nothing, an empty house."

Does she need help? "YES! We are always happy to accept people with time, heart and energy." Volunteer orientation is 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

More information

Newby-ginnings is located at 570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A in Post Falls, west of the old Factory Outlet Mall. Current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. Drop-off donations are accepted during business hours. Masks are required with shopping time limited to 30 minutes and two people per cart.

To schedule a donation pickup, call (208) 610-6996. For other information, visit www. newbyginnings.org.