FAST FIVE The Aloha Spirit shines through Corilynne Smith
Meet Corilynne Smith, a devoted wife, a mother of three teenage boys and a faithful servant who is walking out her God-given calling by creating the grassroots charitable nonprofit organization, Bestowing the Basics.
Born and raised in Hawai’i, Corilynne met her husband, Idaho native Travis. As a native Hawaiian, Corilynne carefully and mindfully carried her culture here to Idaho, exemplifying the "Aloha Spirit," caring for others outside of her family. Prior to starting Bestowing the Basics, Corilynne used her birthday to raise funds and goods for existing groups and nonprofits. The past 14 years she’s collected food, clothing, winter items, housewares, toys, school supplies and more, donating to shelters, schools, etc.
1) What is Bestowing the Basics and how did you get involved?
Bestowing the Basics is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization that I created and founded in January 2022. Without any formal training or education, I took my years of experience and paired with mentors who gifted me the opportunity to learn and lead alongside them. I used that wisdom and my God-given faith to create an organization that has lovingly impacted families throughout North Idaho.
Our mission is to bridge the gaps, fulfilling the varied needs of individuals and families living in small rural underserved, overlooked communities in and around Athol, offering essential necessities, nurturing their needs, cultivating relationships, serving with love and building community.
I am most humbled by where we are today, solely managed and operated by volunteers (me included), and we are primarily community funded (no state or federal funding). We’re just people, helping people. It’s not me, it’s WE.
2) What upcoming events or big news do you have to share?
After nearly four years of operating out of my personal home and two 10-by-20-foot storage units, we have secured our first commercial, operational space. This new, sizeable space will alleviate the mental, physical and logistical challenges we experienced, although it will also enable us to better serve our community. You can find us at 6101 E. Highway 54, Unit B in Athol!
In addition to our regular, ongoing events, this season our free community meal returns in partnership with the Country Boy Cafe. We’re also preparing for our Winter Blessings, a program that provides Christmas gifts and other aid to families during the holidays.
3) Why do you care so much to make sure complete strangers have the fundamental items so many of us take for granted?
The years I spent assisting area food banks, their continued requests weren’t for food, but for shampoo, bar soap, laundry detergent, etc. I spent years learning how people experiencing hardship were forced to allocate funds, sacrificing their health and hygiene in the process. The need was there, and behold, Bestowing the Basics was created.
The federally funded program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) does not cover the cost of these fundamental essential categories: personal care, hygiene and household cleaning products, over-the-counter medicine, diapers and more. It only covers food and nutritional needs. Additionally, families prioritize their minimal financial income toward the cost of transportation, medical and living expenses.
Experiencing firsthand how appreciative our clients are to receive these necessities is confirmation. The excitement I’ve witnessed from an elderly gentleman being given laundry detergent will never escape me.
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I filmed my first television commercial at the age of 11; met my husband while auditioning for "American Idol;" I have eight nationalities (Hawaiian, Portuguese, Spanish, Caucasian, Chinese, Irish, Okinawan and Cherokee). I’ve been told I give great hugs!
5) What are some needs with your nonprofit right now and how can we help?
We haven’t held a fundraiser in almost a year. We’re hoping this holiday season, as we work to bless others, we are in turn blessed. Monetary (tax-deductible) donations are pivotal, especially with the added expenses of acquiring our operational space. Although, no donation (monetary or in-kind) is too small! We appreciate in-kind donations of personal care, feminine hygiene, household cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, etc. Hosting a hygiene collection drive has been successful, allowing for creative ways to partner and give back. With winter on the horizon, we’ll need winter coats, snow pants/bibs, gloves and socks. Stay up to date on our list of needs by following us on Facebook or Instagram; website is bestowingthebasics.org.
