Grateful hearts

POST FALLS — Leslie Orth knows of the need families are facing for the holidays.

As executive director of the Post Falls Food Bank, she sees them coming in on a daily basis, some 500 a week.

“What we hear constantly is 'My rent went up and food prices are insane,'” she said. “We see a lot of younger families that are working and have young kids. That's the demographic that's just exploding. People who never thought they'd walk through the doors are coming to the food bank right now.”

Which is why she appreciates even more Friday’s $5,000 donation from Midway Hyundai in Post Falls.

“They've already been incredibly generous to the food bank,” she said.

The Press Christmas for All received $5,000 during the presentation at Midway Hyundai.

"We set the most ambitious goal in the history of Press Christmas for All - $300,000," said Press editor Mike Patrick, a CFA volunteer. "Midway's incredibly generous gift just took us a big step in the right direction."

All told, Midway Hyundai donated $27,500 to five organizations — $5,000 each to Rathdrum, Post Falls and Community Action Partnership food banks, CFA, and $7,500 to the Holidays & Heroes program by the Post Falls Police Department.

“We just really feel blessed that we can help our community,” said Kara Arrotta, office manager. “We’re so grateful to be part of this.”

Sharon Dillon, executive director of the Rathdrum Food Bank, said the donation will allow them to help more families this Christmas.

The generosity of Midway Hyundai is appreciated, she added.

“We don’t have an abundance,” she said.

Post Falls Police Chief Greg McLean said their Holidays & Heroes program is helping 60 children this year, the most in its history.

Due to COVID-19, it won’t have an in-person gathering, so police will collect the gift lists, do the shopping, then deliver presents to homes and spend time with kids and their families before Christmas.

McLean was thankful Midway Hyundai’s donations will help so many.

“It’s a good thing,” he said.

Luke Arrotta of Midway Hyundai said they are happy to do what they can and are grateful for the community’s support

“That's our number one stance here,” he said.

The Arrotta family came to the area in 1999 and opened Midway Automotive Group. He said he, Tyson and Zach grew up here. Theirs is a family-owned and -operated business, and they are involved on a daily basis.

“My dad moved everything he could out here to Post Falls and the community has really given us a lot. And we've been grateful for that. And grateful not just this year, but each and every year, to be in a position to really give back,” he said.

Luke Arrotta said those running the food banks, the police department, CFA, “are the real, actual folks who deserve all the credit because they do a phenomenal job.”