It's hot and they're hungry

You're going to kick off the last full month of summer by heading downtown today for the festivities at Art on the Green.

But first, will you do something else, please? There's another urgent errand to run.

Two options:

1. Drive directly to the Coeur d'Alene food bank, 4144 W. Industrial Loop. Industrial Loop is just north of Kathleen Avenue; you'll turn west off Atlas Road. (Or you can call 664-8757 if you get lost.) Give them a check which they can use for whatever food items are most needed. They have an excellent track record of stretching food dollars a long, long way.

2. Drive to your favorite grocery store and buy as many non-perishable items as you're willing to donate. Peanut butter, mac and cheese, cans of tuna, cans of chili, canned veggies, baby food and baby formula - these are items that never go to waste. With your haul of food, head to the food bank and help fill shelves that have far too much empty space on them.

You don't need to be reminded that hunger is an everyday proposition for many Kootenai County residents. While all of us feel just a little more generous at the peak of personal prosperity or at special times like the holiday season, people need sustenance even when our pockets and our hearts aren't quite so full. This is one of those times.

What we will remind you is that more than half the thousands of people who rely on the food bank are younger than 18 years. One out of five is a senior citizen. That means the hardest hit populations are the extremely young and the extremely old. Many of the other recipients work, but their needs outlast their paychecks.

One of the great things about living here is the sense of responsibility most folks feel toward their neighbors. Right now, too many of your neighbors need food.

Run that errand today and enjoy Art on the Green that much more.