Timber Ridge Preparatory School for Girls
Clark Fork, ID

One of the most exciting new Timber Ridge activities is an alliance with the local community hospital. Timber Ridge girls are officially a part of the Bonner General Hospital Auxiliary.

This program has been embraced by our girls who are making comments like, "This is the best day I have ever had!" Every Wednesday, the team goes to the hospital to work in same-day surgery, medical records, registration and the front desk. We are hearing comments like, "This is like my favorite day of the week!" and "I just don't know what I would do if we couldn't go!" Margo, the President of the Auxiliary, says she has so much praise for Timber Ridge girls and the way they present themselves - with enthusiasm, good work ethic, and wonderfully cheerful attitudes!

Margo said this summer presented her with scheduling challenges as her volunteer force experienced unusual illness and the regular vacations. She was so appreciative that Timber Ridge stepped in and met this need. It goes without saying that the service rendered by our girls is bringing something special to the vital routines of hospital life in this community ...and who knows...we may be inspiring girls to become our next generation of medical professionals!

In addition to their volunteer work at Bonner General Hospital, the Timber Ridge girls love to serve in the Bonner County Food Bank and Soup Kitchen. A big reality check is experienced as girls serve those in our community who are struggling to provide for their every-day needs. Timber Ridge girls take joy in being a part of making meals available to those for whom this basic need presents challenges. The organizer of the Soup Kitchen program speaks highly of our girls and even attends many of the graduations we celebrate. It is wonderful to have him on hand for these special days.

Another community service the girls volunteer at is the local animal shelter and
there are lots of "warm fuzzies" to be shared as the girls play with warm, fuzzy creatures. The girls work very hard there and are greeted with enthusiasm as they arrive to feed and care for animals that are waiting to be adopted by caring families. Walking the dogs is one of their favorite aspects of this work.

These are just some of the ways Timber Ridge students serve our local community. There are others, and each one contributes to changing the lives of our students. The return on this type of effort is immeasurable, both to the community and our special girls. What could be construed as routine labor becomes a labor of love growing Timber Ridge girls to see the world with new eyes!