DINNER: Community success story

On Saturday, Nov. 20, the American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls held our annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner, which was open to the public. The American Legion is a service organization, funded and run by volunteer members.

This year, we fed 270 people. Many of those attending learned about the event in The Press, either from the mention in Wednesday’s Main Street column (thank you Kerri!) or a Saturday article penned by Bill Buley (thank you Bill!).

I would like to recognize the generosity of the Post 143 membership, business partners and local residents who donated money, time and food. The bulk of the food items were brought in by our members. Donations also came from the Falls Worship Church congregation (which regularly meets in one of our rooms), Sysco Corporation (thank you Jennifer and Patrick!) and Super 1 Foods in Post Falls (thank you Aaron!). Also, FS FabCo had one of its specialty welders repair one of our much-needed stainless steel tables before the event (thank you Jim!).

We had 17 members who volunteered to serve on Saturday. A few of those dedicated many days leading up to the event to make sure everything was ready. This event could not take place each year without the dedication, kindness and selflessness shown by businesses and individuals such as those mentioned here.

Each holiday season, Kootenai County shines because of the generosity of its residents, and this was no exception. What a great start to this year’s season!

A huge THANK YOU to each and every person who helped make this a successful day.

CORINNE CHADDERDON

Volunteer Kitchen Manager

American Legion Post 143