'The light of the world' right here in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — Most 12-year-olds would likely have been cooling off in Lake Coeur d’Alene on a scorching Friday afternoon, or at least staying inside to avoid the heat outside. 

But Tatum Carrie was toiling under the sun, voluntarily carrying boxes and filling bags with food.  

“It’s really hot, but it’s really nice,” she said.  

Tatum enjoys doing things for others. 

“It makes me happy to see their joy when they get what they need,” she said. 

Tatum was not alone. Nearly 100 volunteers were preparing for Sunday’s Day of Hope at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. 

Young and old filled plastic bags with nonperishable food items like pasta, beans, peanut butter and canned vegetables for several hours Friday. 

Some walked and others ran as they carried boxes delivered by semi-trailer trucks to rows of tables that were lined by volunteers, both local and visitors. When a food item was needed, a friendly shout rose up.

“It's been a full team effort,” said Richard Dance. 

Ashley Carrie, Tatum’s mom, said their family pitched in. 

“It feels right. It feels nice to help out, and I had no idea we had so much community in need," she said.

People can stop by for free groceries, haircuts, family portraits, music, clothing, school supplies and kids activities. Lunch will be served and volunteers will be on hand to offer assistance. 

Organizers are prepared to serve more than 5,000 people at the fourth annual event. 

Convoy of Hope, 208 Ministries, New Life Community Church, Numerica, Redman and Company Insurance, Pioneer Title and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were among the sponsors. 

"Everyone needs some hope,” said Geoffrey Winkler, pastor at New Life Community Church. “We’re called to be the light of the world. We’re called to be the salt of the earth. This is how you do it. You do it with groceries and free haircuts.” 

Winkler said businesses and ministries alike were coming together to lift people's spirits from all the things that can weigh them down in life. 

“Just to give them a little bit of hope,” he said. 

Day of Hope is scheduled 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

    Taig Olsen walks among the bags of food that will be given away during Sunday's Day of Hope at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
  

    Food is organized Friday for distribution at Sunday's Day of Hope at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.