Redhead Express returns for food drive Nov. 18

COEUR d’ALENE — The Latter-day Saint Student Association is a new club on the North Idaho College campus, but its mission of community service is a longstanding church tradition.

On Nov. 18, LDSSA members are hosting a concert featuring the country band Redhead Express. Instead of an admission fee, the club is asking for canned goods to fill the shelves of NIC's food pantry.

"It's our first big event," said LDSSA vice president and general studies major Marisa Steinberg. "Our mission statement talks a lot about how we want to help the community and be a part of the community. We thought this would be a good way to do it."

Attendees are asked to bring two cans of food, preferably canned meats and fruits, to help supplement the food pantry's inventory for the upcoming holiday season.

"It's that time of year," Steinberg said. "Every community has needs for food. We're really hoping to benefit our community, and this is staying in Coeur d'Alene."

This is the third year the food pantry has been a resource for the NIC community, pantry director Jessica Bennett said. It is open certain hours during the week for students to make appointments to receive nonperishable food items. It is also open to employees.

"There are students who are facing food insecurities in our community," she said. "Some of them don't know where their next meal is coming from. If students don't know where their next meal is coming from, it's hard for them to prioritize school."

Redhead Express is a four-sister group that departed from Alaska in 2007 and has performed more than 2,000 shows, opening for bands and artists such as Sammy Kershaw, Clay Walker, Trace Adkins, Parmalee, Frankie Ballard, the SteelDrivers and more. The sisters recently moved from Nashville to Sandpoint and offered to play the benefit concert free of charge.

"The Redhead Express are very nice young ladies and they agreed to help us out," said LDSSA community adviser Sister Susan Hill.

Bennett said she is very appreciative that the club and the musicians are having a concert to benefit the pantry, both for the help with food and the exposure.

"I think it really shows how at NIC, we take care of each other. Students are interested in helping their fellow students," she said. "It's really awesome that they're benefiting the food pantry. Having a benefit concert like this raises food for the pantry, which is great, but it also raises awareness."

The Redhead Express will perform in Schuler Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Nov. 18. Cans will be accepted at the door.