Wrestling team donates school supplies

The North Idaho College Wrestling team gathered in a Riverstone parking lot to give away free school supplies to kids in need for grades K-12 on September 1.

The event started at 10 a.m. with head wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb handing out plastic bags and directing local school children and their parents, who were gathered in lines coordinating with the proper tables for their grade. There, the wrestling team and other volunteers, including NIC’s vice president of student services and athletic trainer were waiting to hand out supplies.

“We want to make sure that not only are they prepared, but also to take that pressure off the parents,” Whitcomb said. He started this event four years ago as a way to give back to the community.

After receiving their supplies, the families stood on the side waiting for pizza.

“We do the pizza for them. It’s more of a celebration than a giveaway,” Whitcomb said.

Participant and local, Christy Banks expressed her gratitude for the giveaway: “We appreciate the school supplies, it’s a big help, especially with two kids,” she said.