FAST FIVE Amy Privitt's cup runneth over for others

by DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer | October 19, 2024 1:00 AM

Meet Amy Privitt, executive director of faith-based nonprofit Cup of Grace Ministries. Amy and her team of volunteers work to serve the people of Spirit Lake and the surrounding communities. Visit cupofgrace.life for details.

1) What exactly is Cup of Grace Ministries and what do you do with the organization?

Cup of Grace is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our purpose is to meet the needs of the community of the greater Lakeland area. We offer free clothes, diapers, wipes and food from our food pantry. We have a building in Spirit Lake, behind the bank at 31848 N. Fourth Ave. Our open hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except Tuesday when we're open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. People can come during our open hours to meet any of these needs. No one gets paid and we are strictly a volunteer organization.

2) What are some of your most popular programs/events?

Every Tuesday, we have a free community meal from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and no one is turned away. We serve anywhere from 100 to 160 meals every Tuesday.

We are in all 11 schools in the Lakeland School District with a free clothing closet. Every child can get anything they need, no questions asked.

Once a week we provide kids at the Spirit Lake Library reading program a free lunch.

3) What are a few of the most prevalent needs you are seeing in the communities you serve?

Needs we see in our community are food, clothing, gas, housing and car problems.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I knew I would go into ministry, but I had no idea what it would be until seven and-a-half years ago when I was asked to feed people. Before that I was a second and third grade schoolteacher. We lived in Texas for 17 years before coming to Idaho nine years ago.

5) Why do you do what you do — why should neighbors help neighbors?

I am the founder and the executive director of Cup of Grace. People donate their gently used clothing and shoes, but if we don't get what we need I shop at thrift stores and clearance sales at Walmart and other stores to get what is needed. The funding for all of this is from individual donations and even some corporate grants. While we are constantly in need of funds, we have never run out. I serve at our Tuesday night free community meal and fill in wherever needed.

•••

Do you know someone in Kootenai County who makes our community awesome? Send Fast Five suggestions to Devin Weeks, dweeks@cdapress.com, to highlight locals who contribute their time and talents to make North Idaho such a special place.