Members of the Rathdrum Masonic Lodge will gather this Saturday to prepare and distribute filled backpacks to students at four Kootenai County schools, supporting families heading into the new academic year. The initiative targets Lakewood Middle School, Lakewood High School, Betty Kiefer Elementary, and John Brown Elementary.
Each backpack contains a 50-piece school supply kit with essentials including binders, notebooks, pencils, and scissors. The Masons assembled three different backpack sizes to match the needs of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Fundraising Through Community Events
The lodge raised funds for the project through donations and revenue from its annual dunk tank booth at Rathdrum Days in July. Nate Brown, Worshipful Master of the Rathdrum Masonic Lodge, noted that community engagement is central to the effort. “It’s a fun way to get out into the community,” Brown told the Coeur d’Alene Press. “People love dunking people.”
Supporting Local Students and Families
Back-to-school supply costs can strain household budgets across Kootenai County, making programs like this one a practical resource for families in Rathdrum, Hayden, and surrounding areas. By distributing backpacks directly to schools, the Masons ensure that supplies reach students who need them most as classes begin.
The Rathdrum Masonic Lodge has maintained a presence in the North Idaho community for decades, with a consistent focus on youth programs and civic service. Saturday’s backpack distribution continues that tradition of supporting the next generation of Panhandle residents.
For more information about the Rathdrum Masonic Lodge or to learn about additional community service initiatives in Kootenai County, residents can contact the lodge directly or attend local civic events throughout the year.