Giving Back

Cusick volunteer wins van in giveaway

CUSICK — Shawna Hulet knows what it’s like.

She knows what it’s like to become disabled and unable to hold traditional employment. She knows what it’s like to rely on food banks for meals, not just for herself, but for her family. And she knows what it’s like to pay bills with help from social services.

“I was that parent in line with a little kid, trying to get assistance and stuff to get by,” said Hulet, 45, of Cusick.

Years later, Hulet has dedicated much of her time to helping disadvantaged residents in Pend Oreille County. She was a longtime volunteer at the Cusick Food Bank and now runs a non-profit food collection and distribution program — all while acting as the primary caregiver for an eight-member household half comprised of children, two of whom are medically challenged, and dealing with medical challenges of her own.

“I try to take my good days where I am able to do some stuff and give back to the community,” Hulet said. “Because … the community has given back to me.”

It was this community spirit that moved her best friend Teri Burroughs, 62, of Newport to nominate her three months ago for a Community-Driven Vehicle Giveaway, held quarterly by Camp Chevrolet, Lithia Dodge and Subaru of Spokane.

Hulet had been having capacity and mechanical issues with both her cars, but she never thought she would win the giveaway, believing others needed the prize more.

She thought wrong; last week, the dealerships declared Hulet the winner, surprising her and Burroughs with her prize: a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.

“I was speechless,” Hulet said. “I was just in shock.”

Though used, the van was freshly cleaned, came with new tires and only had about 87,000 miles on it, Hulet said.

“It’s not brand-brand new, but it’s new to