2nd Annual Turkey Meal Giving Day in Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry Living Local
Sep 9
3 min read

Family gathered around the table for Thanksgiving meal

Bringing hope and Thanksgiving to the table

By Like Media Team

When families gather around the table this Thanksgiving, many in Boundary County will be blessed with a meal made possible by the generosity of neighbors, businesses, and churches working together. The 2nd Annual Turkey Meal Giving Day, brought to life by the Banuet Family and Community Action Partnership (CAP) Bonners Ferry office, has become a beacon of light during the holiday season.

The inspiration behind this effort is rooted in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” For the Banuet Family and CAP, these words reflect the spirit of Bonners Ferry, a community of lights working together to uplift one another.

In October 2024, when CAP’s longtime Ministerial Team leader moved away, the Banuet Family stepped in to carry forward the holiday food drive. With just weeks to prepare, they raised over $6,000 from local businesses and donors. Their efforts allowed more than 100 families to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal. This year, they aim even higher, hoping to serve 150 families with the help of the community.

Each Thanksgiving Meal Kit includes everything needed for a feast: a full-size frozen turkey, dinner rolls, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, instant potatoes, and a pie. Valued at $35–$50 per kit, the goal is to raise $5,300 to cover all 150 families.

Sign-ups for meal kits happen directly through CAP at their Bonners Ferry office, located at 6665 Main Street. Families simply provide their name, phone number, household size, and preferred pickup time on November 22 to receive their Thanksgiving Meal Ticket. For those wishing to help, donations can be made by calling 208-889-1493. CAP also welcomes businesses, churches, and individuals to host donation drives for key food items.

The impact of this event is deeply felt. Last year, one single father shared how receiving a meal kit allowed him to host Thanksgiving dinner for his children for the very first time. Another unforgettable moment came during a snowstorm while picking up turkeys from Safeway. Just as conditions grew challenging, Richard Beck of Beck’s Furniture arrived with his box truck, ready to help. “Forever thankful for you, Rich!” recalls Samantha Banuet.

Generosity continues to pour in from across the community. Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Alliance Title & Escrow, and Boundary Shipping were among last year’s key partners, alongside numerous local businesses and families. This year, new supporters, including Chapa Chicken Ranch, Evergreen Home Loan, Bushnell Law, Hank Willis Dentistry, Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry, and Super 1 Foods, have joined the cause.

Community Action Partnership’s mission extends far beyond the holidays. Through its Futures Project Theory of Change, CAP works to help residents become basic-needs secure, equips families to exit poverty, and builds a strong network of support through partnerships.

As the holiday season approaches, the message is simple: Bonners Ferry shines brightest when its people come together. “We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other,” CAP shares. This Thanksgiving, that light will once again shine through 150 homes across Boundary County.

Turkey Meal Giving Day – Quick Info