Because of all the families struggling economically in the Treasure Valley, the Idaho Foodbank is anticipating a big demand for turkeys this holiday season — a 30 percent increase in holiday food needs, in fact.

The bank staff is asking families in Ada, Canyon and Gem Counties to sign up for a turkey donation by the end of October at their nearest Foodbank partner food pantry.

Heritage Walk raises the bucks

Preservation Idaho’s recent annual Heritage Homes walk in the “West Warm Springs” neighborhood (in the area of the Alexander House, the Idaho Supreme Court, and many law firms), raised nearly $5,000 in gross profits. That will help pay for Preservation Idaho's educational programs, architecture walks and more.

Operation School Bell, the philanthropic program of the Assistance League of Boise, provides new clothes for kids in need.

I’ve had the chance to see Operation School Bell in action, and it’s great. Kids (chosen by school counselors, teachers) come to the “store,” where volunteers help them pick out clothes. Shelves are stocked just like a department store’s. Kids get everything, from socks, to sweatshirts.

Becky De Armond, Operation School Bell, chair, told me that donations from the public are always needed.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded more than a quarter million dollars to Radio Boise to buy broadcasting equipment, including a transmitter, an antenna and studio gear. The grant brings this community closer to the reality of a local, independent, noncommercial radio station.

Jeff Abrams, Radio Boise executive director, aims to start broadcasting — at 89.9 on your FM radio dial — as early as next spring.

Boise Bicycle Project update

I always like to check in to see what’s up with this grassroots organization, recently crowned by Boise Weekly as the “best local non-profit.” In their two years of existence, BBP has fixed, and donated 520 bikes to people who need them.

Here’s what’s coming up, and what you can do:

By way of confession, I had always thought CROP walks were literally that — people taking to the fields with burlap bags and collecting leftover ears of corn and spuds for local foodbanks.

Turns out CROP is an acronym for “Communities Responding to Overcome Hunger.” CROP walks happen across the U.S. through Church World Service and raise awareness of hunger issues, and money for food relief at home and internationally.

The seasonal clothing drives have begun. This year, branches of the Bank of the West, are drop sites for the annual Pajama Program, the home-grown project that makes sure children in need have new, warm pajamas, and new books to read.  

“We want to ensure as many children as possible will be warm at bedtime as the temperatures drop,” said Tanya Ambler, Chapter President in Idaho. The project benefits kids living in shelters, group homes, and temporary living facilities in Idaho.

I had wondered about the fate of the old Hillside Nursery site on Hill Road.

Turns out, Sustainable Growth Boise has bought it, and has plans to turn the site into the Northend Organic Nursery and Garden Center. The Center will include spaces for educational activities and green-related events.

The first event of the season — a Pumpkin Sale and Harvest Party — sounds like lots of fun.

Can’t think of too many things more important than that.

The Learning Lab is hosting a Volunteer Orientation on Oct. 13. If you’d like to become a literacy tutor, this is your chance to tour one of the lab’s local locations, Boise Public Library, learn more about the lab’s programs, the students who use them, and what it means to be a volunteer.

Staffers will be on-hand to answer all your questions, including the time commitment involved in tutoring, and the kind of training volunteers receive.

The nonprofit group SNIP (Spay and Neuter Idaho Pets, Inc.) and H3 Pet Foods in Meridian host "A Garage Sale for a Claws."

The event is a garage sale with extra benefits. Not only do you get to shop, there will be prizes, free root-beer floats for humans, and treats for pets.

A $5 donation will get you a personalized pet portrait taken by local photographer Donnesa Day.
 
"This means a lot to us,” said Diane Ayres, president of SNIP. "The population of unwanted pets is exploding in the Treasure Valley."