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IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM 61 CELEBRATE LIFE AROUND IDAHO FALLS, people of all walks of life are experiencing the satisfaction of reaching beyond themselves to raise the quality of living in our community using JustServe—a service tool to help link volun- teers with community needs Selecting service projects that suit their interests and skills, residents of all ages enrich the lives of those they serve as well as their own life through service. What kind of volunteer opportunities can you expect to find in our area? Which of those opportuni- ties suit your interests and passions? "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town," is the motto of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Building beds for kids is a popular choice for those who enjoy construction. Assisting disabled kids with equestrian therapy is the mission of Champ's Heart. Now locat- ed near Idaho Falls, volunteers are needed in this worthy endeavor. The Hospital Workers Appreciation Project needs help sewing surgical caps, and delivering notes of gratitude or even snacks to our health care professionals on the front lines. McSnack bags provided by community vol- unteers are distributed to families at the local Ronald McDonald House at EIRMC. Donating snacks is only one of their many service opportunities. Have you ever served lunch at the Soup Kitchen? Everyone needs that satisfying experience. #JUSTSERVE People of all ages can write encouraging messages to our local senior citizens, run errands for them, help with exercise and baking experiences, play musical instru- ments for their enjoyment, and join in the annual Valentines for Seniors project. Under the direction of the Idaho Falls Fire Department, hydrants around Idaho Falls are being refurbished with fresh coats of paint by young and old. Teens are experienc- ing the satisfaction of helping make our area a more beautiful place while making new friends with other teens. Residents are gen- erously donating food to the Community Food Basket who is feeding 4,000-5,000 people per month and helping other local food pantries stock their shelves. Cats and dogs at Idaho Falls Animal Services are gaining the attention of animal lovers who volunteer to walk the dogs and help at the shelter. Haven Hollow seeks volunteers to help with abandoned animals. Boo at the Zoo appreciates help from willing hands to create a delightful experi- ence for attendees. Are you a bookworm? Friends of the Library needs help. Transitional Living needs board mem- bers and Community Youth in Action seeks adult supervision for wholesome teen activities in the evenings. Love Christmas? Festival of Trees supports the Development Workshop. Love the arts? There are opportu- nities to volunteer with functions and pro- ductions. Are you a veteran? The American Legion would love your assistance. Blood donations are always in demand. Discover ways to help the American Red Cross. Become trained in legalities to assist immi- grants with No Mas Legal Foundation. Willing to create hygiene kits or donate blankets for refugees? There are a multitude of opportunities for these needs. How are people finding such diverse ser- vice opportunities? JustServe is a nonprofit community service tool available to every resident in the Greater Idaho Falls Area. You can find the above mentioned oppor- tunities along with a multitude of others at JustServe.org. JustServe works two ways. On one hand, volunteer needs of organizations may be posted, and on the other hand, volunteers may search for places to serve in the commu- nity, providing opportunities to help those in need and enhancing the quality of life in the community. Simply register at JustServe. org, enter your zip code and search for proj- ects that are a good fit for you. If you or someone you know is involved in a nonprofit organization, community or faith group that needs volunteers from time to time, contact us at IdahoFallsJustServe@ gmail.com. Using service opportunities from JustServe is the best way to spread cheer for the entire year! After all, the heart that beats for others is the happiest. IF Spreading Good Cheer the Entire Year BY SUSAN STUCKI