Give Love to Creations…

Dear Editor,

I am as wary as many of us to tone down the consumer impulses that strike during the holiday, but in spite of my wariness, I’d like to shine a light on a unique non-profit community gem called Creations located in the back of the Cedar Street Bridge. Many locals, especially families, associate Creations with its donation based, drop-in art and crafts area and indoor playground, both of which bustle with kids, parents and tourist year round. However, many Sandpoint folks may not be aware that Creations is actually a non-profit organization that touches the lives of many people regardless of age, income, life experience or politics.  The profits from sales generated from Creations’ toy store and children’s clothing boutique support the community art and crafts area and playground, as well as fund an array of affordable art classes ranging from Crafting with Toddlers, Special Needs Art Instruction, Skills Based Painting Instruction for Children and Adults and more. Nobody is turned away from a class because of inability to pay.

In recent years Creations has expanded its scope to include health and nutrition. Some of you may have seen the Creations Mobile serving affordable, nutritious smoothies and snacks at the Farmers Market or at events like the recent Tree Lighting Ceremony. Creations’ goal is to keep nutrition high and cost low. In addition to Creations’ focus on community art and nutrition programs it has partnered with Experience Works and the Department of Labor to utilize its retail store as a training ground for folks in the community who want to gain work experience in a supportive work environment.

So, please, this holiday season if you are shopping for children’s gifts come by Creations’ non-profit toy store and clothing boutique and see for yourself the wonderful selection of educational games, cuddly toys, puzzles, jewelry and children’s clothing. The profits from all sales stay in the community and support all the programs and goals mentioned above. And if you are toning down those consumer impulses, come by anyway and spend some leisurely time making a gift or an ornament in Creations’ art and crafts studio. Either way, Creations welcomes you!!

Thank you,

Sharon Lewis and Kate Mansur
Creation Volunteers, Sandpoint