So you want to volunteer this holiday season but might not know where to start? Here are a few volunteer opportunities in Idaho this holiday season.
Winter Garden aGlow, Boise
Talk about having a great view while you’re volunteering. Winter Garden aGlow takes place at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise from Nov. 26 to New Year’s Day. The Winter Garden aGlow is a walk through a Christmas light and decoration show boasting more than 300,000 displayed lights. Volunteer shifts are 4.5 hours, and there is a variety of available positions varying from taking tickets, monitoring paths, serving complimentary cocoa and cider, handing out candy canes and many more opportunities. A full list can be found at http://idahobotanicalgarden.org/winter-garden-aglow/. Contact: Karen Christeson at (208) 275-8605, karen@idahobotanicalgarden.org
Secret Santa Volunteers, Pocatello
Want to help out with Secret Santa but your budget might be a little too tight to participate? The Salvation Army in Pocatello is looking for volunteers at its Angel Tree site in the Pine Ridge Mall until Dec. 24. Volunteers will collect information from people wishing to participate in the program as well as collect and document the gifts brought in. Volunteer positions also are available to help with sorting, packing and distributing donated gifts. Contact Information: Julie Christiansen, (208) 232-5318, Julie.christiansen@usw.salvationsarmy.org
Feed the People, Pocatello
If you are in the Pocatello area, this the perfect opportunity to be part of a feast for the community. Feed the People is seeking more than 40 volunteers for a dinner to be hosted at Highland High School open to the entire community on Dec. 19. The organization needs help serving, providing entertainment and getting the word out about the event. Contact information: Jeb Critchfield, (208) 684-3137, jeb@onthespotcleaning.com
Food Distribution, Troy
Here is a great opportunity to help feed the needy. Team up with Troy ACS Food Bank through the end of the year and help with unloading, shelving and distributing food. There are two open volunteer positions, and they operate in two-hour shifts. Contact information: Nancy Young, (208) 835-3714, mnyoung@moscow.com
Santa’s Little Helpers, Meridian
The Meridian Parks and Recreation is putting out its annual “Santa’s Mailbox” in the City Hall Plaza. Each year children drop off letters to Santa with the promise that he will respond to every child. Normally this has been manageable by just a few volunteers but last year they received more than 800 letters. This year there will be a workshop set up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 18 for anyone to come help make these kids’ holidays special. If you are going to go with a group, please contact Parks and Rec ahead of time. Contact Information: Ali Aldape, (208) 888-3579, recreation@merdiancity.org
Want to find other volunteer opportunities this holiday season? Visit ServeIdaho.gov/volunteer to explore different options to serve in your area.
— Nick Wright, Serve Idaho