It’s so easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the holidays that we often forget about the people in need. Every year my family volunteers for a local organization so that we can teach our children the importance of helping others. We also find that volunteering makes our holidays much more rewarding. It’s easier to feel good when you have contributed to a higher cause. It can be hard to decide what to volunteer for at times, so here are some local organizations in Boise, Idaho that could really use your help:
Easter Seals-Goodwill (208) 658-5561
The Easter Seals-Goodwill creates solutions and changes lives for people with disabilities. You can volunteer in their store by stocking and organizing shelves, cleaning up, and processing donations. They are open 9:00am to 10:00pm and offer flexible hours.
www.esgw-nrm.easterseals.com
The Idaho Foodbank (208)336-9643
The Idaho Foodbank provides food to hungry people in need. They help feed the homeless, unemployed, victims of domestic abuse, disabled, hungry children, and more. You can volunteer your time, donate money, or donate food to help the cause.
www.idahofoodbank.org
Toys for Tots(703) 640-9433
Most people have heard about Toys for Tots and know that they deliver toys to needy children. Their mission is to collect unwrapped toys so that these children can have something to enjoy on Christmas day. They accept unwrapped only so that they can be sure what is in the package. These toys are collected by the Marine Corps Reserve. You can find toy drops offs throughout many stores in Boise including Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and Target. www.toysfortots.org
Life’s Kitchen (208) 331-0199
Life’s Kitchen is a program run by the United Way Treasure Valley. They transform the lives of young people through training in the culinary arts and job placement in the food service industry. They need volunteers to work with young people in the food industry training program to give them a better future.
www.lifeskitchen.org
American Red Cross of Greater Idaho(800)853-2570
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. You can help by donating money, volunteering, or donating you blood.
www.redcrossidaho.org
Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity (208) 331-2916
Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful program which builds and gives houses to those in need. Most of the building and labor are all done by volunteers. The families that receive the houses also help considerably by helping to build the houses and volunteering for others. You can donate money or volunteer your time to help contribute. www.hfhboise.org
Idaho Humane Society (208) 342-3508
And let’s not forget about our furry friends! The humane society is a shelter for homeless animals as well as a rescue agency for abused pets. Their mission is to advocate the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane awareness and compassion. There are so many ways that you can help these animals. You can donate money, your time, supplies, or foster the animals. www.idahohumanesociety.com
Hopefully you can find something in this list of volunteer opportunities in Boise, Idaho to contribute and help with. Donating your time, money, or both to any of these organizations will really help enhance the lives of others, not to mention make you feel great for helping out someone in need.
