Kootenai Health Gift Shop Donates More Than $185000

Kootenai Health Gift Shop Donates More Than $185,000 to Support Patient Care and Programs

The Kootenai Health Gift Shop recently presented a check for $185,122 to the Kootenai Health Foundation, marking another year of meaningful contributions that directly support patients, caregivers, and critical programs across Kootenai Health.

Operated by dedicated hospital volunteers, the Gift Shop has a long-standing tradition of giving back. Over the past 43 years, Gift Shop proceeds have generated more than $1.6 million to enhance care, improve facilities, and fund essential patient and employee support programs.

“This check represents far more than a dollar amount,” said Cara Nielsen, Kootenai Health Foundation President. “It reflects decades of generosity, volunteerism, and community spirit that continue to make a real difference for patients and families.”

In recent years, the Gift Shop has steadily increased its impact:

• 2025: $185,122
• 2024: $160,478
• 2023: $153,267
• 2022: $72,223

Each year, proceeds are granted back to the hospital through the Kootenai Health Foundation, supporting a wide range of initiatives, including Festival of Trees and Golf Tournament sponsorships, a $3,000 annual teen scholarship, and $40,000–$50,000 annually for the Cancer Patient Support Fund.

Gift Shop donations help fund both immediate patient needs and long-term investments in care.

Recent and upcoming funded projects include:

2026

• NICU NOVII fetal monitoring devices – $10,000
• OB portable ultrasound – $30,000

2025

• Kootenai Health Employee Family Fund – $10,000
• Mammogram Screening Fund – $3,750
• Patient Clothing Closet – $3,500
• Physicians’ Lounge Remodel – $12,000

2024

• Kootenai Health Employee Family Fund – $10,000
• Patient Clothing Closet – $4,000
• NICU Angel Eyes Cameras – $31,784
• Telepsychiatry services – $30,000

2023

• Heart Center Expansion – $100,000
• Nitrous oxide blender machine – $10,000
• Online telehealth training – $6,821
• Lung & Asthma Clinic – $700
• Patient Clothing Closet – $1,300

“These funds touch nearly every corner of our organization—from lifesaving technology in the NICU to clothing and screening programs that remove barriers to care,” said Nielsen. “Our volunteers are incredibly proud to support the health and well‑being of our community.”

For more information about the Kootenai Health Foundation or how to support the advancement of health care in our community, visit kootenaihealthfoundation.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Kootenai Health, visit kh.org/volunteer or call (208) 625-4645.

Pictured: Members of the Kootenai Health Volunteer Gift Shop proudly present a $185,122 check to the Kootenai Health Foundation, continuing more than four decades of giving back to patients, families, and caregivers.