Group accepts donations at Fourth of July parade

People lined the streets to watch the Idaho Falls Fourth of July Parade today but one group brought everyone together for a good cause.

The Interfaith Community Service Project partnered with the city to collect donations for local charities.

“Mainly was food items today, so we support the soup kitchen, the Idaho Falls Food Basket, everywhere else, The Haven, The City of Refuge,” says Dr. Fritz Scmutz, coordinator.

The group is composed of different churches varying in beliefs and denominations.

“It’s the greatest, we build bridges, we understand each other, it’s something pure, easily understood, it’s human need all around us and it’s easy to let our best values work together to support it,” says Schmutz.

“This is great, the reason is because it’s really not about the religion, it’s not about the differences we have as communities, but it’s about looking for the good of the community and the needs which the community really and then we jump in as a community and serve those needs,” says Michael Musingi, coordinator.

They say the continued support from the city is amazing.

“The great thing about this is the crowd comes and they want to support it, it brings them together too. It gives Idaho Falls it’s best image,” says Schmutz.

“I think the biggest blessings of each and every life in the community is to enhance each other’s lives and that is what the community is doing,” says Musingi.

If you would like to donate, it’s not too late, here are the drop-off locations:

First Evangelical Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Hope Lutheran, New Day Lutheran, St. Luke’s Episcopal, St. Paul’s United Methodist, Trinity United Methodist and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Ammon West Stake)

Items needed: clothing, bedding, paper goods, cleaning supplies, school supplies, any food items, diapers/pull-ups, bath towels, personal hygiene items, sleeping bags, cash donations.