Christmas Store benefits Energy Share

Christmas Store proceeds of $1,600 from annual sale at the Klothes Kloset in Columbia Falls were once again designated for Energy Share. This compares to $1,500 contributed last year.

Kris Skyberg, manager, reported others benefited from Christmas Store donations. Gift items were taken to Montana Veterans’ Home for American Legion Auxiliary members to use in their holiday sale there.

Unsold gifts from that event are used for another fundraiser at the Home next summer. A nurse from Browning attended and received toys for children in that community. Clothing for a local student was given to a teacher to deliver.

A sentimental gift, a Mother’s Bible, was another item received by a grateful Klothes Kloset customer during the Christmas season.

Monetary contributions given during World Community Day, best referred to as Sharing Day, totaled $12,950. Amount brought to a total of $22,861 distributed during the past year from Klothes Kloset income. Continental breakfast was served at United Methodist Church.

List of organizations and donations voted by the board includes $1,500 each to Columbia Falls Fire Department and Three Rivers Ambulance; $1,000 each to North Valley Senior Center, Eagle Transit and Abbie House; $600 to Samaritan House; $500 each to Columbia Falls Food Bank, Community Dinners, CASA, ALERT Helicopter, Nurturing Center, Lighthouse, Florence Crittenton Home, and Intermountain Children’s Home - Providence House; $300 to Special Olympics; $250 to Agency on Aging; $200 to Literacy Program; $100 each to National CWU, State CWU, and Church World Service.

An additional $9,911 was donated to a variety of purposes during the year. This includes $1,500, Christmas Store proceeds to Energy Share; $100, Woodlawn Cemetery; $4,411, Shepherd’s Hand (tithe) and Touch of Grace; $2,400, Columbia Falls Food Bank, rent; $300, Columbia Falls Lions Club, concerts; $1,200, education scholarships.

Church Women United officers are Betty Henneberg, president; Marion Fisher, vice president; Marion Andrew, secretary; Joan Smith and Irene Ladenburg, treasurers.

Church and representatives are Irene Ladenburg, St. Richard’s Catholic; Evelyn Mattheisen, Our Savior’s Lutheran; Clarice Brooks, All Saints Episcopal; and Marion Andrew, United Methodist.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.