Large Grant request awarded

First, the Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene would like to thank the many organizations who submitted an application for our most recent large grant request. We truly wish that we could have awarded more than one. With so many worthy organizations serving the community of Coeur d'Alene, it was a labor of love.

This recipient for the $5,000 large grant request was "The Backpack Program" through the Coeur d'Alene School District.

Community statistics:

• According to the 2009 American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, the median annual household income for Kootenai County is $47,431.
• In order to qualify for The National School Lunch Program, a family of 4 must earn less than $40,793 (reduced) and $28,665 (free) annually.
• The CdA School District currently has 9667 students.
• 37% or 3574 are currently receiving free lunch—which means that a family of 4 has an annual income of less than $28,665.
• Many of these 3574 students do not have access to a dependable food supply while not in school.
• The District Office has identified 200 homeless students this year.

The Backpack Program History:

• Founded in 1995 through Feeding America.
• It has fed 1000’s of students across American since it’s start.
• Based on the CdA School District numbers, our community has a substantial need.

Key Elements of the Backpack Program:

• Benefits school age children who live below the poverty line and often do not have any food source during weekends and holiday vacations.
• Children are identified by school staff and asked if they wish to participate in the program.
• Each Friday, children are sent home with a non-descript bag filled with non-perishable, child friendly, nutritious food for the weekend.

History in Kootenai County and goals of The Backpack Program:

• In November, 2010, the Pilot Program began at Lakes Middle School.
• The Backpack Program will provide students with the most basic need:  FOOD
• Without proper nutrition, students are less likely to perform well in the classroom and on state mandated tests
• Programs, such as the Backpack Program, help to alleviate some of the pressure put on families
• Children should not be forced to suffer because parents are unable or unwilling to provide for them
• Will  keep kids in school
• Better community/less crime

If you are interested in learning more about The Backpack Program, please visit their Facebook page.

Large Grant Request Awarded

Last night the Board of Directors for the Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'alene met and decided to award the $5,000 large grant to the Hayden Kinder Center to build their school library. Bonnie Pratt, a VISTA ("Volunteers In Service to America") presented the grant request.

The Hayden Kinder Center was opened last school session in an effort to meet district wide budget cuts and as a central location for area kindergartners. Unfortunately, a full and functioning library has not been a reality for the Kinder Center. Students have very little choice in book selection and the books available were mostly donated used and are in need of replacing.

The Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene is proud to partner with the Hayden Kinder Center in educating our young children and know that it all begins with the ability to read.

Thanks to the lovely folks at the Hayden Kinder Center. We appreciate your dedication to our young ones!

Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County: work day

This Saturday the three area Kiwanis Clubs (Coeur d'Alene, Panhandle and Post Falls) will be working together to help the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County.

The Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County is currently collecting donations in order to build their own facility. But, in the meantime, their current facility is in desperate need of a facelift.

All three area clubs will be meeting at the Church of the Nazarene in Post Falls (see google map below for directions) at 9 a.m. and working until 3 p.m. to paint, tear up carpet, clean and otherwise bring the space up to snuff.

If you are interested in helping out, please feel free to stop by anytime on Saturday, March 6th. Wear your working clothes as manual labor is bound to be involved!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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