Rathdrum, ID – One North Idaho couple inspires the Rathdrum community to lift up their neighbors through food, clothing, and crucial support.
Robin and Garry Mickelson drive their truck to the Rathdrum Skate Park every Thursday, hauling a trailer full of donations like non-perishable food and warm winter clothes so that anyone who visits their ‘Outreach Eats’ stand between 1 and 3 p.m. that day can grab a bag and fill it with what they need. That included a new coat and gloves this week for Verna Ramsey, who drives from Athol every Thursday to the Mickelson’s stand.
“It means a world of difference,” Verna said. “Now I get to stay warm!”
The Mickelsons, who created their ‘Outreach Eats’ nonprofit in April of 2023 and have been at the skate park every Thursday since May, say offering the stand off of Main Street across from Mountain View High School is their attempt to reach more at-risk children.
“The number two cause of death for kids between 11 and 22 is suicide,” said Garry Mickelson. “A lot of times just that smiling face, just someone to listen to these kids, to be there…that could be all it takes.”
The couple said high schoolers often walk across the street to grab snacks and other items. The donations covering their tables are truly a reflection of a village, and the Mickelsons appreciate their community’s contributions, which includes Rathdrum businesses like Village Bakery donating baked goods every week to be distributed by Outreach Eats.
“What amazes me most is how this community has come together,” Garry said.
Garry previously volunteered in Washington for a youth outreach called Mother2Many, which inspired him and his wife to launch their current skatepark outreach also.
The Mickelsons said anyone who would like to donate can drop off items at that Rathdrum skate park between 1 and 3 p.m. every Thursday or send donations to P.O. Box 1009 Hayden Idaho 83835 to ‘Outreach Eats c/0 Garry Mickelson.
“The plan going forward is we’d like to do a different skate park or youth center every day.”
