Underwriters make donations

Sometimes, wrote Ken Gutzke, ordinary people do extraordinary things.

The North Idaho Association of Health Underwriters did just that when members delivered $3,000 worth of toys, games, clothes and books to children at the Kootenai Medical Center Pediatric Unit and the Kootenai Behavioral Health Center.

"It was magic," the chairman wrote.

It started with the Board of Directors in 2008 decided to find a way to give something back to the community that supports their businesses and careers, "and to shine a light on our industry in this critical time full of change and uncertainty."

They decided to send Santa to the local hospital to brighten the lives of children from throughout the five county area in North Idaho.

This year's efforts allowed NIAHU to provide about five presents worth about $200 to each of the children in the hospital, and gift certificates to several needy families as well.