The Parent Teacher Organization at Idaho Hill Elementary School hosted an evening of Turkey Bingo on Thursday, Nov. 20, drawing dozens of families for an evening of games, prizes, snacks, and community support.
The event, held in the school’s gymnasium, collected donations to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need within the school community. Priest River Elementary officials said the event is planned to be an annual fundraiser.
“Bingo is a well-loved tradition and Turkey Bingo is no exception, offering families a chance to gather in a fun and relaxed setting before the holiday season,” said Priest River Elementary principal Loretta Glazier. “Participants played multiple rounds of bingo for the chance to win complete turkey dinners as well as other prizes.
This year’s event highlighted the generosity of the school community. Thanks to contributions from families, staff, and area organizations, the PTO prepared and distributed the turkey dinners to many families in advance of Thanksgiving, Glazier said.
School leaders say the effort reflects the PTO’s ongoing commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom. Glazier said the school had some extremely generous donors, including Idaho Forestry Group, PG Capital, Keltic Engineering, and Wade & Linda Hampton.
“We were able to provide so many Thanksgiving dinners because of the generosity of these companies and individuals,” she said.
Priest River Elementary staff agreed.
“Turkey Bingo is more than a fun evening,” Second Grade teacher Nancy Gregory said. “It’s an opportunity for our school community to come together and help provide families with what they may need to enjoy the holiday.” One family who won a turkey dinner donated it back to the school, explaining another family may be in need more than them.
The PTO thanked the volunteers who planned and staffed the event, as well as the donors who made it possible. Organizers said they are already looking forward to next year’s Turkey Bingo.
Turkey Bingo fans wait for the next number to be called during the Priest River Elementary PTO’s recent fundraiser.