In 2023, Firewood Rescue turned a page to ensure that the organization will be a resource that serves the community’s most vulnerable residents for decades to come.  Along with a dedicated corps of volunteers, the following businesses and individuals played key sponsor roles in providing services and expertise that the organization would not be able to afford on its limited budget.  North Idaho is still a special place in which old fashioned community values and generous sacrifice abound.  Firewood Rescue cannot thank these individuals and businesses enough.  They are significant contributors to the organization’s day to day operation and sustainability.  Several played key roles in the construction of a permanent wood shelter.  The shelter is dedicated to the memory of Arlo Hoisington.

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A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE HOISINGTON FAMILY

It was roughly five years ago when Tom Hoisington who was volunteering with Firewood Rescue introduced us to his dad and stepmom Arlo and Tonnie Hoisington.  Arlo offered up use of his five-acre barnyard for the purpose.  As the operation grew in the number of volunteers, equipment and the volume of the stockpile, it was assumed by Paul and Eileen that at a certain point, Arlo and Tonnie would either terminate the relationship or insist that the operation be curtailed.  Not only did this not happen, but Arlo so believed in the mission that he wanted to ensure that his land continue to serve the Firewood Rescue mission and the community for years to come.  As a result, he insisted that a twenty-five-year lease agreement between he and Tonnie and Firewood Rescue be drawn up.  Before the lease could be signed, Arlo was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and he passed away in October of 2023.  His widow Tonnie was also convinced that Firewood Rescue’s operation should continue on their property.  The agreement which was drafted pro bono by local attorney Tevis Hull was signed by Tonnie and Paul back in November.  On behalf of Firewood Rescue and the entire community, thank you Tonnie, Tom and Arlo, for your forethought, vision and generosity.

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IN MEMORIUM: TEVIS HULL

 Firewood Rescue is sad to announce that one of our most devoted volunteers, Tevis Hull passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 3rd 2024.  Tevis was the gentleman on the big orange tractor who kept our storage yard plowed and moved our firewood stockpile when needed.  Tevis cared very much about the sustainability of the organization and as such, one of his last official acts of business was to draft and secure a twenty-five-year lease agreement (pro bono) between Firewood Rescue and the landowner Tonnie Hoisington.   Tevis included his children, grandkids and members of his church in our work details.
He will be sorely missed by his family and many of us in the community. 
Rest in peace Tevis.

Paul Krames, Founder
Eileen Esplin, Administrator