Press forward against hunger

Gwen McDonald, take a bow.

Because of you and your big idea, a whole lot of Kootenai County people are going to be fed.

Gwen is a longtime Press newspaper carrier and baker extraordinaire. Those ingredients mixed in her head, and here's the idea that popped out:

Starting Tuesday and running through Oct. 30, Press subscribers can put non-perishable food items wherever their newspaper is delivered. The food will be picked up by carriers, who will compete for cash prizes and, maybe more valuable, Gwen's goodies. All the food donated to subscribers will be delivered by The Press to Community Action Partnership - the Coeur d'Alene-based food bank at 4144 W. Industrial Loop.

A story in tomorrow's paper will go over all the details, including which food items are most needed. Press Circulation Director Dan Phillips has gone to great lengths to ensure this food blitz is as easy for subscribers as possible. You may leave the non-perishable items wherever you get your paper. For some, that's your front doorstep. For others, it's a newspaper tube. You can participate as often as you'd like. And if you put food out and your carrier overlooks it, just call 664-0220. We'll send someone out to pick it up.

We applaud Gwen and encourage readers to share what they can. As we overheard Phillips telling another employee the other day, "Hunger doesn't just happen over the holidays. There are lots of people we can help right now."

Pitch in starting Tuesday, and let's see how many of our neighbors we can help.