Idaho ranks top-10 for charity

We’ve always thought Idahoans are charitable, but a new study from The Chronicle of Philanthropy is proving that theory to the world.

Research shows our state ranks in the top-10 when it comes to giving.

Researchers were looking specifically at Republican-leaning states versus more Democratic ones.

There were a couple of blue states in that top ten, but when it comes to giving of discretionary income and time, it seems the red states have a bit of a lead.

Jane Kaestner volunteers with the Idaho Falls food bank. She and her husband are self-proclaimed volunteeraholics and the reason is simple.

“Because I want to volunteer. I go home and I know I’m going to have supper on the table. It’s a way to give back,” said Kaestner.

That pay-it-forward attitude seems to be a common thread among volunteers.

“Giving back is the best part of volunteering. Somebody gave to me when I was growing up,” said Kaestner.

Idahoans aren’t just giving time. They’re offering up some pretty substantial portions of their income too.

A map posted on the ABC national news Facebook page Monday shows the states that voted for John McCain in the last presidential election tend to have more religious populations.

With residents giving 6.4 percent of their annual salary to charity, Idaho surpasses all of its neighbors when it comes to giving.

Except for Utah, which comes in at a bigNo. 1by donating a whopping 10.6 percent.

The philanthropy study documents Utah has a high percentage of LDS church members, who traditionally pay 10 percent of their income in tithing every year.

Kaestner said at the food bank it doesn’t matter if you have a religious affiliation or not. Help is always needed and it comes from all sources.

“We will take anything and everything,” said Kaestner.

Kaestner also said the need for charity is greater than ever.

According to the study, the least charitable state is New Hampshire.