Kindness@cdapress.com: Your mission for today

“It’s like watching a movie play out on screen.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard friends, family and colleagues speak those words over the past few days. With the exception of the Twin Towers on 9/11, I’ve not felt such a profound sense of disbelief myself.

On Monday, I answered a call from an elderly reader in Hayden. She was looking for help shopping for groceries. After getting her in touch with a volunteer, she thanked me and ended the call by saying, “I’m scared.” Her sincerity and basic need reminded me that we could all do more to protect our community.

Beneath the commotion and noise, many of our community members have already come together to care for this community. Wednesday’s online meeting of the recently formed Serving Friends & Neighbors committee, open to faith leaders of all denominations, was proof that Kootenai County’s heart endures.

Eleven leaders, representing nine churches and nonprofits, brainstormed the priorities of today, and what significant impact this new team of compassionate volunteers can have in the future. Harnessing the time, talent and treasure of this vast and growing network of congregants and volunteers to focus on one thing; our little corner of the world.

To those who have already taken the time to make someone else more comfortable or feel less fearful and alone, I want to say thank you for reminding us what communities do in times of uncertainly and stress; keeping an eye on unfolding events while lending a hand to those who need help.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” — Ronald Reagan

For 128 years, the Coeur d’Alene Press has been the voice of Kootenai County. Nowhere does that voice resonate more clearly than in our archives. Among those yellowed pages and decades of bound editions, we see evidence of that voice guiding our readers through times of war and national tragedy and rejoicing beside you in times of victory and celebration.

It remains our top priority to be a significant resource for Kootenai County during this trying time. I want our readers to know, not only are we committed to timely and factual news and information, we are committed to the health and safety of this community.

Focusing on good news when we need it most: More care, less uncertainty.

If you see an urgent need, or if you can volunteer to assist where needed (within federal guidelines and restrictions), or to offer resources and goods, we will work to share your message in the Coeur d’Alene Press through our print, website and e-edition. Bringing our community peace of mind.

I would also like to invite you to share stories and photos of community members and organizations that take the extra (and sometimes overlooked) steps to care for Kootenai County.

To share, please email us at kindness@cdapress.com. We will do our best to connect each need with a solution.