Idaho Falls Humanitarian Center helping volunteers make a difference

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With the job market proving challenging for some teens this summer, local organizations are offering volunteer opportunities that can help young people build their resumes while giving back to the community.

The Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center offers volunteer opportunities for people interested in learning practical skills while earning volunteer hours.

"We have them making little outfits for the newborn kits and they're so fun," Nancy Dasha, a coordinator in the yarn department, said. "What they do is they'll take an afghan that's been donated, and then they'll make an outfit to go with it."

Volunteers can learn a variety of skills, including:

• Crocheting
• Knitting
• Woodworking
• Quilting
• Sewing

Organizers say those skills are used to create products that help people in need throughout the community.

"If people want to just come in and have a few hours to spare, they're welcome to come in and we're happy to teach them what to do," Rhea Jones, assistant supervisor of the quilting department, said.

Volunteers say their work can have a meaningful impact on people facing difficult circumstances.

"This guy was struggling with alcohol and he was sleeping in his car," Eric, who works in the distribution center, said. "She came to me and got a quilt. She gave him the quilt, and now he doesn't have to drink to stay warm."

In addition to volunteers, the Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center is also seeking donations this summer.

The center is accepting items such as diapers, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.