Better together

Churches unite for 3-day food drive in mall parking lot

COEUR d’ALENE — Pastor Chris Lauri of Anthem CDA knows that churches are busy serving congregations and can’t often unite for community projects.

But this week, they will.

Lauri recently pitched the idea of churches teaming up on a food drive. A few emails and Zoom calls later, about 25 churches were on board.

“It’s just been really encouraging to watch,” he said.

Anthem CDA has been trying to do different things throughout Gov. Brad Little’s stay-home order, “just to be a blessing to the community.”

When Lauri heard food banks could use help to meet demand, he wondered how Anthem CDA could pitch in.

But he was hoping they wouldn’t go it alone.

“Our church can only do so much,” he said. “But what if all the local churches pitched in, made a real dent and had significant impact?”

While churches have their own missions and agendas, he thought a food drive was a way for them to become one.

“We’re better together,” he said.

Many agreed.

Paul Van Noy, pastor of Candlelight Christian Fellowship and president of the Coeur d’Alene Ministerial Association, said when churches see a need they want to be part of the solution.

“None of us want our neighbors hurt by COVID-19 or any related difficulties associated with it,” he said.

He said many have suffered physically and financially from the virus, and the churches of Kootenai County are doing their best to serve them.

He’s not surprised at the number of churches that wanted to be involved in this food drive.

“The spiritual need in our community is greater than the material,” Van Noy said. “If we as a community serve the physical alone and don’t address the spiritual, we miss the mark completely.”

The food drive will be Monday through Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. in the Silver Lake Mall parking lot. A large truck will be labeled with the “Kootenai United” logo for drop-off. Volunteers wearing masks and gloves will greet donors, who don’t need to leave their car. They can simply hand the donation over and drive safely away.

Some of the most-wanted items are: Applesauce, canned beans, canned meat, canned fruit and vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter, rice, healthy breakfast cereals, baking mixes, and crackers.

Donations will go to local food banks.

Lauri likes how this project came together so quickly and loves how so many churches responded.

“It’s been really neat to see,” he said.