Support to Those in Need
By The Greenbelt Magazine Team
Photos by Kimberlee Miller (maybe)
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank
Idaho is incredible, don’t you agree? Fresh air, beautiful scenery, friendly people, a growing economy—there is so much to love! And the thing about love is… you have to give love to get love. And as much as we know you love Idaho, let’s all take the time to show it this season by giving back to our amazing community.
There are so many ways to give support and we’ve compiled a list for the 12 Ways of Giving.
- Interfaith Sanctuary: Interfaith does so many incredible things for the community. And they are always needing more volunteers! Be a part of something great! Interfaith gives the homeless population a leg to stand on and a warm place to sleep, seven days a week, 365 days a year, along with some other amazing programs. interfaithsanctuary.org/volunteer/
- Idaho Food Bank: Independent, donor-supported non-profit that was founded in 1984. The Idaho Food Bank is the largest distributor of free food assistance in Idaho with millions of meals already given! They are always looking for volunteers to help facilitate this process. For more info: idahofoodbank.org/give/volunteer/
- Marine Toys for Tots: Created in 1991, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots is a non-profit that seeks to collect and distribute toys to share with those who may not be receiving any gifts. Help spread the message of joy, love, and giving to those less fortunate. For more info: boise-id.toysfortots.org
- Luke’s Children’s Hospital: St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital put the health, comfort, and wellbeing of the children before anything else. They have made huge strides in child healthcare and are an integral part of our community healthcare system. But they are always looking for volunteers! For more info: stlukesonline.org/about-st-lukes/donate-or-volunteer
- Idaho Potato Drop: The Potato Drop donates their proceeds to several places around the Valley, no one is left out—arts, business, charities—nearly everyone gets a piece of the pie. There are many opportunities to volunteer with the organization. Visit their webpage: idahopotatodrop.com.
- Festival of Trees: November 21-25 with the Gala on November 20 and the Fashion Show on November 26. The 35th Annual Festival of Trees—over the last three decades, the Festival of Trees has helped raise more than $10 million dollars to improve healthcare in the community. This year, the proceeds will go toward the expansion of the Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center Infusion Room. They are working to create new technology to help manage pain, stress, an anxiety with methods like art therapy and virtual reality immersion. For more info: saintalphonsus.org
- 9 Lite FM: The station does an annual Christmas Wish program and will begin accepting donations mid-November. For more info, visit liteonline.com/wish.
- Boise Rescue Mission: The Boise Rescue Mission is in need of more than 1,000 volunteers for the holiday season. There is a list of 20 opportunities for you to volunteer with the organization and other organizations around the Valley. Whether you want to dress up as an Elf and stock the shelves, load toys, or make meals, you are definitely needed! For more info: boiserm.org/get-involved/holiday-volunteer/
- Christmas is Coming to Kleiner Park: Saturday, November 10, 9 am to 3 pm. Located at the Center in the Park/Meridian Senior Center in Kleiner Park. Free admission and open to all ages! Games, food vendors, prizes, and 100% of raffle proceeds will go to Wish Granters, Inc., a company that grants wishes to adults with terminal illnesses. For more info:
- Turkey Day 5K: Thursday November 22, 9 am to 12 pm. Get your tickets now! Proceeds benefit several local charities, such as the Boise Rescue Mission, Make-a-Wish Boise, Boise Special Olympics, and more! Tickets are available here: register.chronotrack.com/r/35562
- Night of Miracles: Wednesday December 5, 6 pm to 8 pm. Hosted by Women Ignite International. Wine, appetizers, and desserts, plus a silent auction to benefit families in need across the Valley. For more information, visit Women Ignite International on Facebook.
- Rake Up Treasure Valley: Saturday November 10, 8 am to 3 pm. This time of year, the City of Trees becomes the City of Leaves! Help out your fellow citizens! For more information, visit Rake Up Treasure Valley’s Event Page on Facebook.
