Holiday Fundraisers: Here’s how you can help
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there are a lot of ways you can donate to those in need. If you know of a fundraiser not listed, email natalie.nix@localnews8.com, and we will get the list updated as soon as possible!
Cranksgiving Turkey Drive through Nov. 16
Idaho Orthodontics is matching any donations to the annual Cranksgiving Turkey Drive through Friday by Barrie’s and the Idaho Foodbank. You may drop off turkeys or monetary donations at Idaho Orthodontics at 625 E. Alameda Road, Pocatello. For more information contact Heidi at 208-337-0005.
Diaper Drive through November 17
Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) will hold a Diaper Drive on November 17 at the Pocatello Fred Meyer from 10 am – 4 pm. The donated diapers will go to families in need in southeast Idaho. Diapers are essential in keeping babies happy and healthy, yet 1 in 3 families in Idaho struggle to afford diapers and low-income families are forced to choose between diapers and food each month. On average diapers cost approximately $80 per month and many community support programs such as food stamps or WIC don’t cover the cost of diapers. SIPH’s Diaper Drive on November 17th at the Pocatello Fred Meyer is an opportunity for to help increase access to diapers to families in need in Southeast Idaho. For more information, contact Dana Solomon at 208.239.5256 or visit www.siphidaho.org or www.idahodiaperbank.org.
Robotics team at Barnes and Noble through November 19
Barnes and Noble will host the Idaho Falls Robotics Team, as it works to earn enough money to travel to the FIRST Robotics Competition in Nampa next March. The Ammonknights Team 1566 from Ammon and Idaho Falls will demonstrate last year’s competition robot. The team will be at the book store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. They hope to raise $5,000 to meet their entrance fee and another $5,000 for robot parts and travel.
Jackson Elks: Community Thanksgiving through Nov. 22
The Jackson Elks Lodge No. 1713 will hold its free, community Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. It is open to the entire community, regardless of need. The lodge is located at 270 W. Broadway Ave. in Jackson.
Heap the Helmet through Nov. 23
The Jefferson Central Fire District is holding its 6th annual Heap the Helmet for the Hungry fundraiser at the RigbyBroulim’s from 11 a.m. to 7 pm Friday, November 23. All donations are used to buy grocery gift cards that are distributed to needy families in the county during the holidays.
Gear for Paradise through November 29
The Idaho Falls Police Department and Taylorview Jr. High are collecting gently used and new sports equipment for those who lost everything to fire in Paradise, California. Nearly 57,000 people were displaced and homes, schools, churches, and everything else was destroyed. Donations may be delivered to the Idaho Falls Police Department at 605 N. Capital or Taylorview Junior High at 350 Castlerock Lane, in Idaho Falls. The school will accept donations on November 16, November 20, and November 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Winter coat, hat and glove drive for elementary kids through the end of November
Northwest Farm Credit Services in Preston, Idaho is launching a drive to collect warm winter coats, hats and gloves for elementary kids in need. To kick things off, Northwest Farm Credit Preston Branch has already donated $2,700. The items collected will be donated to the elementary schools in Southern Bannock County, Bear Lake County, Caribou County, Franklin County and Oneida County.
They have set up an Amazon List for donations. Click HERE to donate. You can also donate at the Preston Branch 102 N State St Ste 2, Preston, Idaho 83263.
Community Food Drive through November 30
Stevens-Henager College in Idaho Falls is proud to present a Community Food Drive, taking place until November 30th at 901 Pier View Drive, Suite 105. You can donate nonperishable food items at the lobby of the college campus from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m on Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. All of the donated nonperishable food items will go to the Idaho Food Bank.
“Operation Care Packages” through December 1
Donations are being accepted for “Operation Care Packages” to send Christmas to our oversea troops. Smith RV in Idaho Falls is collecting donations until Saturday, December 1st at which point Smith RV is going to pay the shipping costs to send these donations to our troops.
There is a drop box at the front door of their store located at the corner of Hitt and Lincoln in Idaho Falls.
You can drop off donations during business hours which are Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For a list of items that can be accepted please go HERE.
Pocatello/Chubbuck (D25) Festival of Trees through Dec. 1
The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Education Foundation is pleased to announce the kick-off of the 2018 Festival of Trees. Presented by ISU Credit Union, the Festival of Trees opens to the public on Wednesday, November 28 through Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the L . E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Bartz Way.
Wednesday, November 28 is designated as Seniors Day. To honor our senior citizens and their contribution to our community and our public schools, anyone age 65 and over is admitted free to see the beautiful trees and displays and enjoy the day’s entertainment.
The magic continues with several special events designed to delight all age groups. Events include Breakfast with Santa, a Children’s Royal Tea Party and an afternoon Ladies’ Holiday Tea. The Children’s Royal Tea (formerly Princess Tea) is an elaborate tea party for children, age 3-8, wearing their favorite princess or prince attire. At the party, each child receives crumpets and tea in the form of a light snack, enjoys the best Disney show in Idaho, participates in activities with celebrities, and receives gifts and a t-shirt. Breakfast with Santa is geared to families with children ages 2-8 who will be delighted with a light breakfast, fun activities and a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. C.
Cereal Bowl Breakfast Food Drive through Dec. 3
The Idaho State University Leadership Development Cereal Bowl Breakfast Food Drive, benefiting Benny’s Pantry and sponsored by McNabb Grain, runs through Dec. 3 in Pocatello.
The ISU and general business community are encouraged compete with each other to gather and donate as much nonperishable breakfast foods, such as cereal, instant oatmeal or breakfast bars, as possible to Benny’s Pantry, which offers free, emergency food assistance directly to the ISU community.
Christmas For Cancer: A County-Wide Benefit Fundraiser – December 3 and December 4
Cancer does not discriminate. It takes from the unsuspecting victim and continues to drain energy, life, and money. No one asks for this. Those who are targeted go through endless pain and sickness while family members do everything in their power to stay strong and supportive, all the while feeling the strain of huge medical bills that continue to populate their mailboxes, not to mention the overwhelming cost of fuel to transport their loved one back and forth to healthcare facilities. So what about the rest of us: the friend, the neighbor, the community member wanting to help in any way, but not sure how. Enter Christmas for Cancer. Every year the Social Dance Club, a high school student dance group based out of Grace High School, sets aside the Christmas season to help families in our area that are in need. This year is no different and they have teamed up with Grace High School to highlight families in our county going through the terrible effects of cancer. There has been a huge out-pouring of love toward Miss Ellie Johnson, a young 13 year old girl who is struggling through Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and because of the awareness of her situation, it made members of the Social Dance Club think about the many who also are fighting. Awareness brings with it thoughts, prayers, acts of service, and help. With this in mind, SDC and GHS are bringing awareness to over 10 people in our county that are suffering through this demonic disease, letting these unsuspecting victims feel the power of love and giving.
This year’s show is the famous “Dancing with the Almost Stars”, where 9 couples from the county are competing for that coveted mirror ball trophy! Contestants will be announced at a future date. The show will be 2 nights this year so don’t miss it. It is hilarious!
In order to take this year’s benefit to greater heights, the Social Dance Club and Grace High School are joining forces and putting together a silent and live auction as well as a community dinner. There has been a HUGE outpouring of support for this function as businesses all over the county are jumping on to help by either sponsoring, donating services, or committing to attend as a buyer. For example, Bayer, Caribou Family Dental, and A+ Auto are few that have agreed to sponsor. There have been amazing donations such as vacations (Mexico trip, Costa Rica Trip, Alaskan package, Bear Lake stay), chainsaw art, custom meat cutting, Jazz tickets, custom art, and 15 ton gravel to name a few. It has been incredible to see so many want to join and help with this wonderful cause. Any donations from anyone would be so appreciated, as well as those willing to come and support by buying. All proceeds from this cause will be donated to the 10 families. What a great way to show our love and support and kick off the holiday season.
So now is the time to save the date! Events are as follows at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center: December 3rd– silent auction 5-6pm, live auction 6-7pm, Dancing with the Almost Stars Show 7:30 pm (ticket required). December 4th– community dinner $7/person or $25/family 5-7pm, Dancing with the Almost Stars Show 7:30 pm (ticket required). Tickets to DWAS can be purchased November 26 at Grace Elementary starting at 7:30 am for $7 each. Warning! Don’t delay. These tickets go fast so don’t miss out on all the fun and be a part of a wonderful cause. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Holyoak (208) 530-1104, Becky Jorgensen (208) 681-8126, Steve Brady (208) 339-6409.
Idaho State University Cereal Bowl Breakfast Food Drive through December 3
The Idaho State University Leadership Development Cereal Bowl Breakfast Food Drive, benefiting Benny’s Pantry and sponsored by McNabb Grain, runs through Dec. 3 in Pocatello.
The ISU and general business community are encouraged compete with each other to gather and donate as much nonperishable breakfast foods, such as cereal, instant oatmeal or breakfast bars, as possible to Benny’s Pantry, which offers free, emergency food assistance directly to the ISU community.
The top business and the top ISU building will receive separate traveling trophies that will be awarded annually for this inaugural event. Local businesses can earn points based on the number of items collected, best stack or sculpture, largest variety of items and judges’ choice.
Trophies will be awarded on Dec. 5.
Shop With a Cop Fundraiser through Dec. 6
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Shop With a Cop fundraiser at the Texas Roadhouse at 2535 S. 25th E. in Ammon. You can enjoy lunch at the restaurant with deputies serving between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on December 6.
Coat and Blanket Drive through December 25
The Black Bear Diner in Idaho Falls is holding a coat and blanket drive. The diner will distribute its collections to the local soup kitchen.
Diaper Drive in Pocatello through December 25
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Southeastern Idaho Public Health will be collecting diapers for our Holiday Diaper Drive. The goal of the Diaper Drive is to collect 10,000+ diapers. Diapers and baby wipes can be dropped off at various locations throughout Pocatello. Locations include both DL Evans Banks, Alliance Title and Southeastern Idaho Public Health For more information about our Diaper Bank program or to find out how you can get involved contact Dana Solomon at 208.239.5256.
Jacksons Food Stores raises funds to end domestic violence in Idaho through December 25
Jacksons Food Stores has launched a campaign to help end domestic violence in six Western states, including Idaho.
Now through December 25, you can donate an amount of your choice and purchase a peace dove that will be hung in the convenience stores around the state.
Doves are available in $1, $5 and $10 increments, and will be matched by the Jacksons Food Stores.
The company will provide matching funds to leverage customer donations to the Idaho Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, a 501c3 nonprofit, as well as similar organizations in five other states.
Last year, the campaign raised over $160,000 across all six states, and this year, the company hopes to raise even more.
The Gift of Peace campaign is currently underway at Jacksons Food Stores in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Washington.
