Idaho Falls Residents Encouraged to “Empower the Future” and Bring Canned Food, Non-Perishable Items to Independence Day Parade
Mayor, City Council Join Interfaith Community Leaders to Help Local Charities in Spirit of Helping Community on 4th of July
Idaho Falls, ID – The Mayor and City Council are joining with local interfaith community leaders to encourage residents and visitors to the Idaho Falls Independence Day Parade to bring canned food items to the parade, July 4th at 9 am.
Mayor Rebecca Casper, members of the City Council and local leaders will be walking the parade route as part of the Interfaith Community Service Project Float parade float, which is entry number seven. As they walk the parade route, instead of handing out candy, leaders will be collecting canned food and other non-perishable items to place in special boxes on the float.
The parade route, which begins at 4th Street and Holmes, travels south on Boulevard, past Tautphaus Park and ends at Sunnyside Road. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
“This year’s parade theme, ‘Empowering the Future’ is the perfect descriptor for how we, as a community, can help empower and lift those who have fallen on difficult times,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “The City Council and I are honored to be joining the Interfaith Community Service Project again on this collection drive – every agency involved with ICSP is an exceptional example of the service to this community.”
Parade attendees are asked to bring non-perishable items to the parade such as food, clothing, bedding, paper goods, cleaning supplies, school supplies, diapers/pull-ups, bath towels, personal hygiene items and sleeping bags.
“Hunger and the human need for simple acts of care and kindness are an ongoing 365 day a year challenge for many among us,” said Dr. James Schmutz of the Interfaith Community Service Project. “We are ourselves enriched as we give of our resources and thereby foster hope in the lives of those we lift. We are so grateful for Mayor Casper and local leaders helping us ‘empower the future’ for others by helping in this tremendous cause.”
All donations will benefit local charitable institutions including the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, the Soup Kitchen, The Haven, the City of Refuge, Ruth House, Hospice of Eastern Idaho, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Center and other local organizations.
Donations can also be taken anytime to the following sponsoring churches: First Christian Church; First Evangelical Church; First Presbyterian Church; Hope Lutheran Church; New Day Lutheran Church; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; St. John’s Lutheran Church; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church; Seventh Day Adventist; Trinity United Methodist Church; and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donations are also taken any time throughout the year. More information is available at www.interfaithcommunityserviceproject.org.
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For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff or Interfaith Community Service Project organizers, contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306.
About Idaho Falls: Situated along the Snake River at the western edge of the world famous Rocky Mountains, Idaho Falls has all the features of big city living, but embraces a small town charm. Our skyline consists of the majestic Teton Mountain Range, and in our backyard is the world’s most famous national park – Yellowstone. As the regional center for healthcare, science & technology, shopping and entertainment, Idaho Falls is an attractive location for small and large businesses alike. Idaho Falls consistently finds itself listed in the top ten rankings of many prestigious magazines, newspapers and professional community research publications. Learn more on our website.