Silver Valley fundraiser hits 60% of goal

WALLACE –– It’s the season of giving and Shoshone County is in the thick of its annual Silver Valley Community Christmas Fundraiser event.  

Last week, Shoshone County Interim Clerk Peggy White, Clerk-elect Lori Osterberg, News-Press editor Josh McDonald, and local legend Juli Zook hosted the annual telethon/videothon and were able to raise $12,189.75 of their $20,000 goal.  

Several local officials got in on the action, including Kellogg Mayor Rod Plank who challenged every municipal official from across the Silver Valley to match or beat his donation. Commissioners Tracy Casady and Jeff Zimmerman challenged all previous, current, or incoming commissioners to match their donations, and Bill Scudder asked that any Silver Valley resident who receives PERSI benefits to make a donation.  

“We’re still waiting to hear from some of our biggest businesses,” White said. “We’ll take donations through Christmas, so please give us a call, or send in your donations.”  

Each year, the Silver Valley Community Christmas Fund helps local families in need purchase ingredients for a traditional holiday meal. The need varies year by year, but any money leftover is donated to the Silver Valley Senior Meals Program, which provides cooked meals for the valley’s elderly population.  

Last year, the tab for the holiday meals was over $13,000, with $5,000 left over for the Senior Meals Program. This year, with food prices even higher than they were a year ago, the county’s $20,000 goal ensures that both groups receive enough money to sustain them.  

“This is such a wonderful and noble cause to give to,” Zook said. “I know times may be tighter for everyone, but I think we’re all capable of doing something. Even the smallest donation can make the biggest difference for people during the holidays.”  

The telethon/videothon is the continuation of a fundraiser that has endured for more than three decades and began as a radiothon at the now defunct KWAL 620 AM radio station. 

"It's an honor to be able to carry on a tradition that was started by Paul Robinson and George White," McDonald said. "I don't think people always realize the impact those two guys had on our community, but the ability to continue their work is one way we can honor their legacy."

If you would like to make a donation pledge, please call (208)512-3456, (208)512-5089, or (208)784-8889. If you would like to mail in a donation, mail your check to 700 Bank Street, Suite 120, Wallace, ID 83873. Make all checks out to the Silver Valley Community Christmas Fund. Or stop by and drop a check off to Peggy White in her office.