Weekly Column: The Spirit Of Giving Runs Year-Round In Idaho

Thanksgiving offers us an annual opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on our blessings.  One of the many blessings that continue to make Idaho such a great place to live are the many people in our communities who see others’ needs and find ways to meet them.  Idahoans do this all the time, no matter the day. 

We see it in the way Idaho communities step up to help in local and nationwide efforts.  From pulling together to care for families struck with illness or the tragic loss of a loved one, to coaching and mentoring youth, to spending time with older Idahoans so they feel less alone, there are countless caring acts daily all around us.

Twenty-four years ago, I started the Spirit of Idaho Award to recognize the many acts of service happening in local Idaho communities that may not be recognized in other ways.  This award was created to bring attention to these greatly valued individuals, groups and projects.  Since the first award was given in Twin Falls in November of 2000 to three young newspaper carriers with the Times-News who helped with responses to emergencies on their routes, I have been privileged to recognize hundreds of deserving Idahoans who have demonstrated a commitment to improving their community and serving their fellow citizen.  Their examples of service are helping empower others. 

Through the Spirit of Idaho Award, I have also had the honor of recognizing a quick-thinking child who saved her brother from drowning in an abandoned well; a couple who has helped advance species conservation; the creator of a group that assists senior citizens with errands, heating their homes and other needs; a company that coordinated the construction of a home and additional assistance for an Idaho family in need; and students who raised funds to support our nation’s servicemembers. 

This past year, my office presented two Spirit of Idaho Awards.  In August, I presented the Spirit of Idaho Award to Warhawk Air Museum volunteers for their efforts to showcase American servicemember history and educate visitors about the cost of freedom.  In October, I honored Iona resident Phyllis Scheffler with the Spirit of Idaho Award for the more than 10,000 hours over the past more than 40 years she has devoted to serving as a volunteer at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where she has comforted and assisted patients, guests and staff, providing expert knowledge only first-hand experience can provide.  These are just a few examples of Spirit of Idaho recipients and the many acts of service in our communities. 

There is no specific schedule for making Spirit of Idaho Awards.  They are given for service to a community, and can be given to individuals or groups.  The general criteria for a Spirit of Idaho Award are that the recipient must be a resident of the state of Idaho and have set a positive example for the community.  There is no formal application process, but individuals who wish to bring an action to my attention are welcome to contact my nearest Regional Office (Boise (208) 334-1776; Coeur d' Alene (208) 664-5490; Idaho Falls (208) 522-9779; Lewiston (208) 743-1492; Pocatello (208) 236-6775; or Twin Falls (208) 734-2515)) to share that information. 

This Thanksgiving and every day, many in our communities and our own families are more than worthy of our gratitude.  May we not overlook their acts of kindness and shed deserving light on these good works all around us.  I wish all of you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving.

(2024 Spirit of Idaho Award Recipient Phyllis Scheffler)

(2024 Spirit of Idaho Award Recipients Warhawk Air Museum volunteers)

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