Donations pour in after camp out

Last weekend's camp out for the homeless wasn't dampened by snow-covered roads and temperatures that dipped into the teens.

"The donations just poured in," said Steve Bell. "It took over two truck loads to deliver them to Fresh Start and Cherished Ones."

Led by Bell, of Coeur d'Alene, a group of hearty souls - four tents full - slept outdoors Friday night on the grounds of St. Pius X Church.

They did it to make a point about the plight of the homeless and to collect donations of sleeping bags, blankets and other items to help those without shelter stay warm this winter.

Bell estimates they received 550 items and said he is still getting calls to pick up donations.

"I was overwhelmed by the generosity of this community. It brought me to tears, 'That which you do for the least of my children, you do it for me,'" Bell said.

This is the second time Bell has coordinated a campout like this. Last year, he collected 350 items.