Making spirits bright
<p>Scott Eberle prepares a customer's order Dec. 14 at KC's Breakfast Club in Post Falls. Last year the owners of the restaurant hosted a free Christmas dinner for thoe in need and ultimately fed 250 people. They are expecting twice that many this year due to the economy.</p>
<p>Ken and Carolyn Jackson, owners of KC's Breakfast Club in Post Falls, are providing a free Christmas dinner for those in need for the second year in a row.</p>
POST FALLS - Ken Jackson and Dave Swanson are hungry to help others.
And the owners of two different Post Falls restaurants believe there's no better time to do it than this season in this economy.
For the second straight year, Jackson and his wife, Carolyn, owners of KC's Breakfast Club in Post Falls, will offer a free dinner on Christmas day from noon to 5 p.m. to anyone in need in the area.
The meal will be at the restaurant at 750 Cecil Road, Suite 101, across from the Walmart on Mullan Avenue.
"We had 250 last year and we'd like to feed about 500 this year," Jackson said. "The more, the merrier. It's open to anybody and everybody in need."
Across town, at G.W. Hunters, 615 N. Spokane St., Swanson will also offer a free Christmas meal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"I've always wanted to do something like this," Swanson said. "A lot of people are out of work or slowing way down. This is a small contribution to give back to the community that's supported us. We want to show that we care."
Jackson said his KC's Breakfast Club location is bigger than where his restaurant was on Seltice Way last year, which means more room for those who come.
Jackson said he has had a few times in his life when he has struggled to make ends meet, including when he worked in the construction industry.
And he remembers how the pick-me-ups he received from friends and family got him through.
"I've always tried to help other people when I can," he said. "When we came from Anchorage in the early '80s we weren't homeless, but we were about broke. We know what people go through."
Donations needed at both restaurants include ham, turkey, potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce and dessert. Cash to buy what's needed at the last minute, including food items, and toys is also needed. G.W. Hunters is also accepting new or gently used coats.
Santa Claus will make appearances at both restaurants and give out gifts to kids.
Donations can be dropped off at either restaurant during business hours.
For more information on how to help or volunteer, call Jackson at KC's Breakfast Club at 773-3764 or 691-2708. Swanson can be reached at G.W. Hunters at 777-9388.