Ways to Give Back to the Eastern Idaho Community This Thanksgiving Season

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and give thanks. It is during the holiday season, that we are often reminded of how important it is to give back. Below are four simple ways you can give back to the Eastern Idaho community this Thanksgiving season.

1. Donate to a food pantry

Consider donating your time or resources to a local food pantry such as; Community Food Basket or the Idaho Falls Community Outreach Center. These organizations are dedicated to providing nutritious meals to local children, seniors and families in need. They offer several easy ways to give back to the Eastern Idaho community including in person volunteering, donating food items or gifting a small amount of money through their websites.

2. Participate in the Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry  

The Michael and Wendy Hays Race to Feed the Hungry is an annual race held in Idaho Falls on Thanksgiving Day. All funds raised through event registration go to the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, an organization focused on helping families and individuals facing food- insecurity in the greater Idaho Falls area. CFBIF currently serves over 850 families each month.

3. Donate clothing  

The winter season is a vulnerable and dangerous time for those who are homeless or cannot afford their gas and electric bill. Spend some time cleaning out your closet and donate your gently used winter clothing items to the Goodwill of Idaho Falls. Proceeds from the sale of donated items help support numerous Goodwill programs year-round. Click here to learn more!

4. Donate supplies to a local animal shelter

Lastly, consider donating to the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter or the Snake River Animal Shelter.  These local animal shelters are devoted to giving neglected animals a second chance at life through adoption. They provide daily care, food and enrichment for each animal. Click here to checkout Snake River Animals Shelter’s Shop and Donate Programs!