7 Cares is This Saturday
It's time once again for 7 Cares Idaho Shares which is this Saturday. It's a live 5 1/2 hour telethon to raise food and cash donations in Treasure Valley and Magic Valley. This single day of giving benefits nine Idaho charities. Together they form a community safety net so that no one in our communities goes hungry or homeless. Donors include individuals, clubs, churches, schools and companies who share one common trait: compassion. In just one day, together we feed hungry families all year long with food donations that fill the shelves of local food banks. And we provide housing to those experiencing homelessness with cash donations that fund shelters. When we all give a little, we can help a lot.
7 Cares Idaho Shares began in 2008 as a food and cash donation drive at the KTVB studios. Founded on the pioneer spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, it empowered donors to give as they are able and collectively meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
Each year it has grown, and now includes 39 donation locations including Albertsons Stadium in Boise plus Albertsons and Fred Meyer stores in the Treasure Valley, Magic Valley and beyond. Since 2008, donations have provided over 6.3 million local meals. In 2018, one hundred and seventy nine thousand pounds of food and over a quarter of a million dollars were collected.
On Saturday, December 14th, join outstanding local organizations and individuals for Idaho’s biggest day of giving this holiday season. Go to 7caresidahoshares.org to learn how you or your organization can start collecting food now to donate on December 14th and download a poster for your food drive.
7 Cares Idaho Shares will be televised on KTVB Idaho’s News Channel 7 on Saturday, December 14 from 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM. KIDO Talk Radio's Kevin Miller will be at Albertson's Stadium collecting your items.
To donate online, go to 7CaresIdahoShares.org
About the Charities
The Idaho Foodbank is the largest distributor of free food in the entire state. Last year, it distributed food for nearly 16 million meals through its statewide partner network and direct-service programs for children, adults and seniors. In addition to providing food to more than 179,000 Idahoans every month, the foodbank promotes good nutrition and healthy living through education and collaborative programs and partnerships.
The Salvation Army of Caldwell helps build healthy families through meaningful multi- generational programming. Access to nutritious food through their food pantry is a key component as well as their Baby Haven Program helping low-income parents learn effective parenting tools for their infants and toddlers, all while earning incentives to help make ends meet. Enrichment for older children is provided through music, arts and character building programs.
River of Life, Boise’s largest men’s shelter, has served nearly 170,000 meals, offered 75,000 beds and transitioned 280 men from homelessness into independent living this year. It’s an essential force in serving homeless men of Boise.
City Light Home for Women and Children currently houses over 120 women and 78 children every night. It has been a safe haven in Boise since 2000 providing shelter, meals, clothing and recovery programs; this shelter has everything women and children need to get back up on their feet.
The Lighthouse Rescue Mission in Nampa is a place of refuge for homeless men in the Treasure Valley offering work search assistance, addiction recovery, Veterans’ programs, a Veterans Therapy Garden and mental health counseling. The Lighthouse helps men of all backgrounds get the care they deserve.
Valley Women and Children’s Shelter in Nampa provides 60 beds that are full most nights. On average, 60% of the shelter guests are children. This safe, clean environment also offers case management, meals, and clothing to women and children in Nampa and surrounding areas.
The Salvation Army of Ada County has provided food, shelter and clothing to those in our community who are of the greatest need for 130 years. Their unique school program provides pregnant and parenting teens with the resources they need to complete high school and go on to higher education. More than 39,000 people turn to the Salvation Army for help and hope throughout the year with 7,000 people receiving assistance at Christmas.
Salvation Army of Twin Falls provided over 57,000 services to people in the community including hot meals, showers, food boxes, school supplies, clothing and household item vouchers, and coats last year. After-school and summer programs have also become heavily utilized resources for the children of Twin Falls.