Special delivery to Kootenai Health

Jamie Smith is a busy man, but the Kootenai Health CEO was more than happy to take time Thursday to watch hundreds of toys delivered to the hospital.

“The generosity of the community is so incredible,” he said. “To see people show up to help the kids, it’s just a great connection for the community to have.” 

Kootenai Health staff and Kootenai Health Foundation members cheered and clapped as Coeur d’Alene police officers and Les Schwab Tire Center employees made their annual toy delivery just before Christmas. 

A convoy of police cars and Les Schwab vehicles filed down U.S. 95 before winding their way to the Kootenai Health north entrance. 

Once stopped, officers and tire center staff quickly carried bikes, games, dolls, race cars and more inside and placed them near a towering Christmas tree.  

Toys are distributed year-round through Andrea’s Closet, a Kootenai Health program. A few gifts will go out to young patients on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while most will be distributed throughout the year. 

A similar Santa run will also be made to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. 

It was the ninth year of the toy drive for the Coeur d’Alene Police Foundation. 

Sgt. Shane Avriett said donations to the foundation covered the toys. He said while contributions were a little down this year, “We're still very lucky to have our community step up."

Police will be at the Hayden Walmart on Saturday collecting donations. Donations can also be made at the Coeur d’Alene Police Department on Schreiber Way.

“There’s always children in need we can help out,” Avriett said.  

When a child wakes up to a gift on Christmas morning, Avriett said it makes families feel special.

“I know firsthand how much gifts at Christmas can help families or benefit kids that are in the hospital,” he said.  

Kenny Carver, manager with Les Schwab in Hayden Lake, said it was their fourth year providing both toys and money.

He said Les Schwab and its customers are happy to support such a “heartfelt” program that helps toddlers to teens throughout the year. 

“We know it’s for the kids,” he said. 

Smith said Kootenai Health and Coeur d’Alene police have a symbiotic relationship and he was glad he witnessed the toy delivery that he described as a “show of force.” 

“It really was. To see them come in person, celebrated by staff, it was a neat experience," he said.

    Coeur d'Alene police officers and Les Schwab Tire Center staff deliver toys and more to Kootenai Health on Thursday.
  

Members of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department and Les Schwab Tire Center pose in the Kootenai Health lobby after delivering hundreds of toys on Thursday.