Elder Help could use a little help
Volunteer Ryan Silakoski uses his chain saw in 2021 as he cuts logs to be used for free firewood for seniors delivered by Elder Help.
BILL BULEY/Press file
Elder Help of North Idaho is hoping for a little bit of help to keep its firewood program alive.
The nonprofit is losing its 5-acre Hayden site of the past four years where it has processed hundreds of cords of firewood each year.
"We will no longer have the ability to deliver to the 150-plus individuals who have counted for us to supply their firewood," said president John Corcoran.
About half of that is delivered free to qualified seniors to get them through the winter months. The rest is sold to clients.
Corcoran said they are hoping to find a few acres in Kootenai County by Sept. 30 where they can keep timber and equipment.
"We provide everything we need," he said. "We keep the property tidy and clean."
Elder Help also recently had two trucks it no longer needed and donated one, a 1997 Ford F-250, to a resident for transportation to her job
"We knew of a woman that needs to work but has to pick up rides to get to her daily work," Corcoran said. "Many times, she could not catch a ride and would lose a day's wage."
Elder Help of North Idaho has served the seniors of Kootenai County with free home repairs, ramps and free firewood since 2005.