As the holiday season approaches, the distance between our village and a neighbor in need is shorter than most of us think. If you're looking for a way to give this year, two local organizations make it easy to keep your generosity close to home.
The 3rd Avenue Marketplace — formally the Post Falls Food Bank — at 415 E. 3rd Avenue serves families across Kootenai County. What sets it apart: it takes no government funding. The entire operation runs on donations from local businesses and individuals — which means every can, box, and dollar you contribute goes straight to neighbors helping neighbors.
The Real Life Ministries Food Room, at 1866 N. Cecil Road in Post Falls, is another local option. Its food room is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM, offering a regular weekly window for both giving and receiving.
How to help? Start with a pantry cleanout — unexpired canned goods, pasta, rice, and boxed meals are always in demand. Then consider a step further: a monthly donation, even a small one, gives food banks the steady supply they need to plan. Volunteering your time — sorting, stocking, or helping with distributions — matters just as much as what's on the shelves.
Here's an idea for Black Bay Village specifically: organize a village food drive. A collection bin in a common area, a two-week window in November, and a simple flyer can turn dozens of small donations into a meaningful delivery. It's the kind of small, visible kindness that defines a community.
Hunger doesn't take the holidays off. This season, give where you live — and help make sure every table in Post Falls has something on it.
Can't make it in person? Both organizations accept online donations, and many grocery stores let you round up at checkout for hunger relief. Every option counts — pick the one that fits your week.
- Log in to post comments