Rathdrum 4-H Club pitches in to help Haiti

RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum Rowdy Riders 4-H Club wants to help out Haiti. The club is organizing a coin drive fundraiser for the American Red Cross - called Pennies from Heaven for Haiti - that will be held on Saturday at grocery stores in Post Falls, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake. Club President Nicole Mashek said she's proud that her club wants to fulfill its mission of making a difference in the world by helping earthquake victims. "I think it's really great that the club is getting together and helping Haiti," she said. "Not many other clubs are doing that. We're a small group, but we're part of a huge effort to help other people." Club members made fundraiser posters and decorated jars at John Brown Elementary for the fundraiser on Tuesday. Sharla Wilson, the 4-H program coordinator at the University of Idaho Extension office in Coeur d'Alene, said part of the fundamentals of 4-H is community service and giving to others. "This is a great opportunity for our 4-H clubs," she said. Susan Mashek, a leader for the club, said the fundraiser is an chance for some to help who may not have otherwise. "Every little bit helps," she said. "It doesn't matter if you have a pocketful of pennies." Club members will be at stores starting around 11 a.m. to mid-afternoon.