Making spirits bright

POST FALLS — The Timber Gastro Pub wants to make Christmas brighter for local people in need.

The Post Falls restaurant, in the former Hot Rod Cafe at 1610 Schneidmiller Ave. along Interstate 90, will host a free Christmas Eve turkey dinner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 24.

"We feel compelled to give back," said chef Chas Griggs, who is collaborating with chefs Derek Eakin and Jeff Chatigny on the event. "I feel thankful and blessed to have a home and friends, and we want to alleviate some of the stress in people's lives. If we can do that, it's huge."

The organizers are seeking desserts — either homemade or bought — toys, hams, turkeys, volunteers and financial contributions.

Donations can be dropped off at the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Those interested in volunteering can stop by the restaurant to sign up or visit the restaurant's Facebook page.

Organizers are planning for between 400 and 600 people.

"Whoever walks through the door, we'll feed," Griggs said.

Toys and turkeys will be given out to attendees based on availability. Any leftover donations will be given to area nonprofits.

"One hundred percent of what we're doing goes back into the community," Griggs said.

Griggs said he also assisted with free Christmas dinners in previous years while working for the former KC's Breakfast Club and G.W. Hunters in Post Falls.

"There's a lot of families in need," he said.