KIVITV.COM | Boise. News, Breaking News, Weather and Sports-Idaho Pitching in on National Day of Service

Idaho Pitching in on National Day of Service

Idahoans are answering president elect's call for a national day of community service and hundreds of people are volunteering for the very first time.

President-Elect Barack Obama struck a strong cord for many people in our community.

More than 34 events were going on and people of all ages showed up for the very first national day of service.

It was a packed house at the city lights homeless shelter for women and children where 40 volunteers participated in this National Day of Service.

From disinfecting toys to cleaning cots, for many people it's their first time volunteering.

"They didn't complain at all. They actually ran around the house gathering toys their not using and clothes they no longer need and drop those off here. I think it was meaningful for them," said volunteer Michelle Hurty.

"Almost 300 volunteers across the treasure valley are volunteering their time and donating items to help people on this first national day of volunteering."

Organizers say they're always in need of volunteers and today is proof of how people can give back to their community.

"We got little children 5, 6 year olds with mom and dad or mom or dad and we got elderly people here," said Rev. Bill Roscoe from the Boise Rescue Mission.

That includes 92 year old Georgia James or "grandma" who has been volunteering almost all her life.

"Volunteering is very important because there are so many people who need help and if you can help one or 2 people, you're doing good," said Georgia James.

It was a busy day for all our local community service centers.

People donated food, picked up trash, donated blood, and all sorts of community projects.