Help a veteran get a good night's sleep

The local charitable group Just Us League hosts the Idaho Veterans' Masquerade Ball at Woodriver Cellars, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29. Tickets: $30 or two for $50, available at Woodriver Cellars or the Boise Co-op.

Organizers of the masquerade are hoping to raise $45,000 for the Idaho State Veterans Home to buy new electric beds for veterans. Idahoans don't know, say organizers, that many vets are sleeping on Vietnam-era beds.  The Veterans' Home needs between 30-35 beds for residents.

Bring them along when you're shopping at Sierra Trading Post, starting Friday through Nov. 14. The store is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, and gloves to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission. The goal: collecting 1000 items to help those in need keep warm.

Customers will receive a 25 percent discount on their purchase as a "thank you" for donating.

The store is at 530 E. Sonata Lane in Meridian (I-84, Exit 44).

Idaho Community Gardens, a project of the Idaho Foodbank hosts the Idaho Community Gardens Fall Seed Swap, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, Edwards Greenhouse, 4106 W. Sand Creek St., Boise.

Come meet your neighbors, trade seeds, and garden war stories. Cost: free!

For more information (or make a seed donation), contact Beki at 577-2683 or bparham@idahofoodbank.org. 

Walk with the World

Paramedics, who typically visit peoples’ homes under the worst of circumstances, gain a unique perspective on the lives of their neighbors.  This perspective inspired a group of Ada County Paramedics to found “Helping Us Help Them,” a new nonprofit organization.

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In celebration, the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association is holding the 8th annual Buddy Walk to help support local programs, educational resources and support for parents of children with Down syndrome.

Project:  A community collection/donation of hats and wigs to support women and children being treated for cancer, Oct. 16-31.
 
Purpose: The "Mad Hatter’s Hat & Wig Donation Project" gives cancer patients renewed confidence through free access to hats, wigs and scarves.
 
Kick off Event:  Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16
Where:  Framed!  1722 E Fairview Ave.  Meridian, (next to Fred Meyer)

The Governor’s Brightest Star Awards recognize the state’s “unsung heroes” whose volunteer work makes their communities better.

Awards are given in six categories: individual, student, school, organization (non-profit or service club), small business (fewer than 100 employees), corporation (more than 99 employees).

Lots of cool stuff, collected by your friends at the Idaho Foodbank: 

The Idaho Shriners are providing a free Screening Clinic for orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Idaho State University-Meridian Campus, 1311 East Central Drive, Meridian, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 

The exciting news for this year is the change of venue. The El Korah Shriners will be using the new facility of Idaho State University Nursing/Pharmacy School. Its central location off the freeway in Meridian, will make it easy for families of Nampa, Meridian, and Boise to bring their kids to consult with the experts. 

Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 6200 Garrett St., Garden City, will host the 100-voice Boise Master Chorale, plus cowboy poets and modern dancers, in the church courtyard (inside if weather is inclement), Sunday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.