Battenschlag honored as top volunteer
(Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE) Karen Battenschlag, left, is presented with the February Volunteer of the Month award from Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce board member Stephanie Rief.
SANDPOINT — With the cold temperatures this winter, it is tough to think about children going outside without a winter coat. While most of us cannot imagine this struggle, it is a reality for many in the community. There are many caring individuals out there who go unnoticed, helping those in need, and the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s February Volunteer of the Month is one of them. Please join the Chamber is celebrating Karen Blattenschlag as our February Volunteer of the month.
A Sandpoint resident of 25 years, Karen Battenschlag has been an active community member from the start. Previously with the Lake Pend Oreille School District for 11 years, for the last 13 years has been a Realtor for Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty.
Battenschlag began her volunteer work with Coats 4 Kids five years ago, on behalf of Tomlinson Sotheby’s. As a Coats 4 Kids volunteer, she has helped collect, clean, and distribute more than 1,000 coats annually in Bonner County. During her time with the organization, Coats 4 Kids has distributed over 5,000 coats and numerous winter hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens in the community.
“No one should be cold in the winter. The playground can be miserable if you don’t have a coat. Staying warm is a basic human need,” said Battenschlag, when receiving the honor at the chamber’s general membership luncheon in mid-February. “I am so proud to be part of this incredible charity and part of this amazing community. It has been a privilege and joy to volunteer for Coats 4 Kids for the last five years.”
The local Coats 4 Kids organization was started 34 years ago by KXLY News 4 and Tomlinson Sotheby’s. It was been successful every year through donations of new and gently used coats, as well as monetary donations to purchase items. Along with the help of many community members and sponsors, Coats 4 Kids has given 300,000 coats to those who need them in the region.
If you would like to get involved or donate to Coats 4 Kids, contact Battenschlag at 208-263-5101.