Idaho Briefs

• Learning center receives McAvoy Fund grant

Glory Be Learning Center in Coeur d'Alene has received a $3,000 grant from the Herbert D. McAvoy Fund through the Idaho Community Foundation.

The funds will be used to provide scholarships and tuition assistance to low-income and homeless families which otherwise could not afford to send their children to a learning center.

"By providing scholarships, more at-risk children are given an opportunity to succeed and prosper," said Susie Freligh, director of the center that serves children as old as 5.

The Idaho Community Foundation is a statewide public nonprofit organization that manages charitable funds on behalf of organizations, families, individuals and businesses.

For more information about Glory Be Learning Center, call (208) 651-5031.

• Donations to help wildfire victims

Several area businesses are collecting donations for victims of the recent wildfires in Washington.

CDA Liberty Tire and Auto and Chad Cysewski-Realtor will host a collection drive Friday from noon to 4 p.m. at 1145 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. They are seeking donations of cash, water, nonperishable food items, dog and cat food, toiletries, diapers and baby formula. A representative from the Salvation Army will be on hand to accept the cash donations. Info: 661-8994.

ReMax Infinity Group in Riverstone is also accepting donations that can be dropped off at its office, 2086 Main St

• 11 new fires started in Boise National Forest

BOISE (AP) - Officials with the Boise National Forest say there are 11 new fires burning Wednesday morning following widespread lightning overnight.

Spokesman David Olson says the fires are each smaller than half an acre and crews are being dispatched to put them out.

He says overnight rain that dampened the area will hold the fires in the morning, but they'll become more active as the day heats up.

Fire lookouts spotted the new fires, and Olson says more fires will likely be reported during the day.