Spreading hope and support across Bonner County
By Taylor Shillam
Dedicated to providing aid to community members in times of need, Angels Over Sandpoint was created to continue a legacy of making a difference in the lives of friends and neighbors across Bonner County. The volunteer-run non-profit organization has provided invaluable support and resources to Bonner County residents, funding their essentials and aspirations at difficult times in life. Dedicated to a blend of fundraising and genuine fun, Angels Over Sandpoint continues to spread love across the Sandpoint community.
Q. Please share a bit about the services provided by Angels Over Sandpoint. How does Angels Over Sandpoint provide help to the local community?
A. Our programs are varied and designed to help community members and students in their time of need. Angels Over Sandpoint also provides backpacks and school supplies for hundreds of Bonner County children each September. Last year, 900 backpacks were provided for local students. We provide local families with assistance for rental deposits, car repairs, medical costs and special equipment, food and formula, gas coupons to attend their medical treatments, and much more; in short, we provide assistance in attaining whatever might be essential at a difficult time in their lives.
Our programs include yearly scholarship assistance to students who are interested in pursuing a trade certification, as well as those who have overcome hardships in their lives and would like to continue their education. Additionally, we provide assistance to students in recognition of their talents in the arts.
We also provide grants to local non-profits for essential items they need to further their goals. This allows Angels Over Sandpoint to “spread the love” to even more Bonner County residents.
Q. Please share a bit about the story behind Angels Over Sandpoint. When did it form, and how has it grown since then?
A. Angels Over Sandpoint was established in 1997 when a dear friend, Kathy Pelland, passed away. The theme of her memorial was “Kathy helped me when…” Many stories were shared that day about a person who wanted to make a difference in her friends’ lives, which became the starting theme of Angels Over Sandpoint.
We decided to have fun events to bring the community together, raise money, and give the funds away to people in need in our county. We started with about 15 members and about $3,000. Today, we have over 40 members and have given away millions of dollars. Kathy would be so proud.
Q. Angels Over Sandpoint puts a lot of fun into their work. Please share some examples of the fun within the organization.
A. One of our themes has always been bringing the community together for fun events. In that vein, the Angels enjoy putting on a “party” for the community, dressing up, and enjoying the camaraderie of working together for the betterment of all in our community. Look for upcoming Angels Over Sandpoint events in 2025, including the Follies, our annual fundraiser event at the Panida, and the AOS Charity Golf Tournament.
Q. How can the community get involved in supporting Angels Over Sandpoint’s mission?
A. The community can offer support by attending our events, donating to our cause, and “spreading the word” about the good the Angels do in our community.
Q. What are some community partnerships that help Angels Over Sandpoint achieve its mission?
A. We work with Idaho Health and Welfare Navigation Services to earmark funds for those they cannot help with shelter, Bonner Homeless Task Force, and the Bonner County Food Bank. We provide monetary support to Priest River Advocates for battered women, and have created a program to assist various non-profits with those extras they need to serve the people in Bonner County. And, as of this year, we are partnering with Envision Community Resource Center to help even more Bonner County citizens.
Q. What do you enjoy most about being a part of the local community?
A. The opportunity to help those in need who “fall through the cracks.” In other words, we help support those who do not exactly fit the criteria for various social services, but still need a boost to overcome a difficult time in their lives.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community?
A. The Angels Over Sandpoint is an all-volunteer grassroots group that works with love and compassion for the betterment of all Bonner County residents. All of our members volunteer their time to make what we do happen, with no expectation of remuneration – just out of love for our community and each other. We rely on our fellow Bonner County friends for most of our funding for our various programs.
By attending our events, joining in the fun, and donating to our cause, you can make a difference for someone in our community who needs that extra boost to overcome a bump in the road of life.
Angels Over Sandpoint
Sandpoint, ID
208.290.5895
Facebook: AngelsOverSandpoint
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