The holiday season reignites the spirit of giving in the hearts of many. The Family Crisis Center (FCC) in Rexburg offers year-round volunteer opportunities to help supply food, clothes and recovery services to individuals and families in need. In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, FCC Service and Shelter Coordinator Marie Harris expressed gratitude for community support especially during the holidays.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of hours of volunteers coming in every month, and we just couldn’t do it without the community support. Our foodbank serves about 200 hundred families every week, and so it’s a lot of food we’re moving in and out of our facility, so we’re grateful for those volunteers,” she said.
The Second Helpings Foodbank is open every Wednesday and Friday from 12–1 p.m. The companion thrift store is open Monday–Thursday from 10a.m.–3p.m. and Friday from 10a.m.-2p.m. In addition to the foodbank and thrift store, FCC offers an abundance of resources including a 24-hour crisis line (208-356-0065), an emotional advocacy and follow up support, a safe shelter, legal and court advocacy and counseling services.
One of the main goals of the Crisis Center is to provide sanctuary to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Victims admitted to the FCC are cared for until safety and independence are established. As the service coordinator, Harris has learned a great deal from the victims in recovery.
“I’ve learned that these survivors are some of the strongest people I’ve ever met. They are so impressive, and they have been through the worst things you can imagine, but they have so much hope and strength to get through it and want to change. And, it’s a privilege to witness that and to see their journey. The Family Crisis Center is a special place,” Harris said.
During the Christmas season, families under FCC care can be adopted out by local businesses and other willing sponsors who supply Christmas to those families. Because of the outpouring thus far, all FCC families have already been taken under the wing of generous community members, but the center is still in need of new pillows and gift-wrapping supplies.
Donations can be made in person to the Rexburg location. For a full list of Family Crisis Center services and information about how to volunteer, just visit their volunteer website or the FCC Facebook page.