'We always want to give back'
Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty donates $20,000 to the Post Falls Food Bank and the Community Action Partnership on Wednesday. Front row from left, John Brandenburg, Mark Johnson, Leslie Orth, Darrell Rickard, Charlie Daniels, Gary Schneidmiller, Kyra Dean Hunt, Angelica Eden and Kelly Egan. Kneeling with his dog is Damon Wood. Back row from left, Angela Wheat, Rob Sherar, Brian Raudenbush, Rob Brickett, Matt Streeter, Darren Miller, Melissa Hjeltness and Lucy Lunceford.
COEUR d'ALENE — With more people turning to the Community Action Partnership for food, manager Darrell Rickard said donations provide a lot of relief.
"It's getting busier," he said. "It's always nice to know we have help coming in."
Leslie Orth, executive director of the Post Falls Food Bank, said cash contributions allow them to help people save money on food so they have enough to pay for rent, child care and put gas in their vehicles.
"It's because of donations we're able to do that," she said.
Orth also spends money wisely, getting food at wholesale deals.
"We know what we need, we know what we’re low on," she said.
Rickard agreed.
"We try to push that, 'Take care of other bills; come and get food from us,'" he said.
Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty pitched in Wednesday with a $20,000 donation to the two food banks that help hundreds each week.
Gary Schneidmiller, owner and broker, said the community has been "wonderfully good" to Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty for 40 years.
"We really appreciate the opportunity to give back," he said. "We feel it's our responsibility to give back and support the community."
Schneidmiller, who has more than 55 years in the community as a broker, said people from the food banks are on the front line for those in need of assistance.
"It’s our pleasure to help a little bit," he said.
Funds are raised by staff throughout the year. The company matches those donations. It also makes sizable donations to other nonprofits.
Mark Johnson, president and CEO, said they always want to give back.
"We want to be part of the community, and we feel it’s our obligation to do that," he said. "Everyone here at Coldwell Banker believes in that."