By Aimee Durand
The spirit of giving and spreading cheer lights up like a Christmas tree during the holiday season, prompting many to give the gift of volunteering in Blaine County.
“I personally think people volunteer over the holidays because, regardless of what we hear about the commercialization of the season, and that does exist, people still understand and are passionate about the core of the holidays, which is to give and to share,” Rachel Shinn, volunteer and program manager for the Blaine County Hunger Coalition, said.
There are many reasons people choose to volunteer, including having time off to explore something new, wanting to make a difference, or making a new family tradition.
“I have had calls from California letting me know they are coming to the Sun Valley area and want to help,” Shinn said.
The coalition’s needs are highest October through March, with the highest number of people to feed during the holidays. Through Dec. 31, all donations made to The Hunger Coalition will be matched by the Boswell Family Foundation, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000.
“Last year, we fed 19 percent of Blaine County,” Shinn said. “We move thousands of pounds of food each week and this takes many hands. Our biggest volunteer need during the holidays is transporting food-drive items and helping to sort and shelve them so that we will have a nice stock through the winter—our busiest months.”
Shinn is always shocked by the generous community for getting them through the busiest part of the year. Community food drives and fundraising are the reason local families will enjoy a happy, healthy holiday.
“I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing community,” Shinn said.
Some other places that could benefit from the generosity surge include St. Luke’s Wood River, The Senior Connection’s Meals-on-Wheels program or, for animal lovers, Mountain Humane.
“We will have our Christmas tree going up next week and anyone is welcome to bring in goodies for the animals,” Jenny Gardenswartz, Mountain Humane volunteer coordinator, said.
Items to donate include stuffed toys, rawhide chews, creamy all-natural peanut butter, milkbones, bandanas, cat toys, cat treats, pig ears, bubbles and catnip.
Volunteering is a great way to find out about organizations, connect with the community, and a great way to set an example for children. When you help others, great bonds are formed, especially during the giving season.
Another way to approach volunteering is by supporting established volunteers this holiday. Spread cheer with cookies, cards or drop by an organization and say thank you. A simple kindness grows all year.
Though holidays are a natural time to think about volunteering, not everyone has a clear schedule, and because it is such a popular time to lend a hand, many organizations’ enlistment needs are full. Don’t let that be discouraging.
Volunteering comes in many forms, from fulfilling a wish on a star from a giving tree to lending time and talent to a personal cause.