REXBURG—The city of Idaho Falls is teaming up with Community Food Basket Idaho Falls for a 4th of July giving challenge, and they need the public’s help!
The two groups will begin their new online fundraiser "$25,000 in 25 hours" to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and to give food to families in need on Friday at noon.
"We're really just asking people who can or want to donate anywhere from $2.50 to $2,500 to join in on this meaningful community challenge," said Kimberly Felker, public information officer for the City of Idaho Falls.
The idea for the online fundraiser is inspired by both the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and fundraisers from years past. Felker says the mayor and city council have gone along the 4th of July parade route asking for donations with physical papers in the past, but after they got soggy, organizers realized there might be a better idea. That's when they came up with the idea for online donations.
Felker believes the community will rise to the occasion to meet the $25,000 goal.
"We think it’s a lofty goal, but with how incredible our residents are, we think it's certainly an attainable goal," Felker said.
The city of Idaho Falls hopes to provide food for local individuals and families who need it and bring the community together through the fundraiser.
"This challenge is so important because it benefits our residents," Felker said. "Part of this America250 celebration is celebrating our country and the values that this country has. I think this challenge fits into that perfectly. It's all about giving back to our residents and serving each other, which is something that our community is just fantastic at."
The fundraiser will begin Friday at noon and go until Saturday at 1 p.m.
Donations can be made to the Community Food Basket Idaho Falls Venmo account or online at the Community Food Basket website.