World Community Day success

Another successful year at the Klothes Kloset in Columbia Falls was recognized during the World Community Day observance last Friday (Nov. 2). Many volunteers and shoppers are responsible for the total income shown at $57,900.31.

The annual report shows expenditures and donations were $55,774.13 for the fiscal year. The Klothes Kloset, sponsored by Church Women United, is only open Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Largest disbursements went for maintenance with $2,425 for a new furnace and $3,645.94 for new windows. The building located at the north end of Nucleus Avenue was originally Gateway Lumber Co.

Most items, ranging from clothing to knick knacks, sell for under $3. The policy is a weekly 25 cents price for slow moving garments. If still not sold, these items are cut up for rags and buttons, also for sale.

Contributions of $100 each were received from Trapline Association and Flathead Community Foundation.

Christmas Store sales brought in $1,600 during the one-day event. Proceeds given were $500 to Reed Peterson, $500 to Alert and $300 for North Valley Search and Rescue.

Monetary donations during the year included education scholarships to local churches, $1,600; Shepherd's Hand (tithe and Touch of Grace), $5,518; Columbia Falls Food Pantry, rent, $2,400; Heritage Days ad, $100; Flathead County Library, $430; Lions Club, $400, sponsor concert; telephone cards for GI's, $300; and Kiwanis Club, flag posting, $35.

Organizations, schools, nursing homes, individuals, families and foster parents were also remembered during the year. They received bags of clothing, coats, lap robes, layettes, quilts, bedding, craft materials and stuffed animals, plus six sacks of pop tabs went to Ronald McDonald House.

Breakdown of donations awarded by Church Women United follows:

Checks for $1,500 each were received by Columbia Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Three Rivers Ambulance and Eagle Transit.

Checks for $1,000 each went to Habitat for Humanity, Abby House, Senior Citizen Center, and Boys and Girls Club.

Samaritan House received $800.

Checks for $500 each went to Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Columbia Falls Food Pantry, Wings, House of Hope, Lighthouse, Florence Crittenton Home and Intermountain Children's Home.

Checks for $300 were given to Head Start, Columbia Falls, Literacy Program, Community Dinners, Agency of Aging.

Ray of Hope received $250.

A total of 15 organizations each received $200 checks as follows:

Junior Citizens Camp, Crop, (world hunger,) Church World Service, International Book Project, Montana School for Deaf and Blind, Hospice, (Home Options), Heritage Place, Montana Veterans' Home, activity fund, Head Start, Hungry Horse, Brendan House, Lighthouse, Nurturing Center, Alert, Whitefish Colonial Manor and Immanuel Lutheran Home.

Montana Association of Churches received $150.

Recipients of $100 checks were: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County, North Valley Rescue, Columbia Falls Library, National CWU, State CWU and American Bible Society.

Ladies from Methodist, Episcopal, Catholic and Our Savior's Lutheran churches form Church Women United in Columbia Falls.

Kris Skyberg is the Klothes Kloset manager.

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