12 Cool Things to Give - "Secret's Out Idaho" Podcast Mini-Series

We think it's pretty cool to give back. We're partnering with United Way of South Central Idaho to empower you to make a BIG impact in our region by donating what it needs most.

As part of our 12 Cool Things to Give campaign, every month we’ll go into detail about each category (because some of these "cool things" might surprise you). Get empowered with the mini episodes below or online here to be a changemaker in Southern Idaho.
 
Guest: Sonya Haines, Director of Resource Development at United Way of South Central Idaho
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development

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Episode #1: Pet Food

​The fur babies are along for the ride! In this episode, we share why it’s important to donate your favorite pet food so animals in need don’t go hungry. 

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Episode #2: Books

​Education and fairytales found in donated books provide hope and imagination for people of all ages. Sonya Haines from United Way of South Central Idaho goes into detail about what books to give and who benefits from them.

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Episode #3: Unique Foods

​Did you know peanut butter, honey, canned meat, snack packs and chunky soup are the most needed food donations? And don’t forget the can opener! Listen to this month’s episode with Sonya Haines from United Way of South Central Idaho to learn more.

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Episode #4: Lice Kits

​Lice infestations do not discriminate. Lice kits provide schools with a cure to keep students from falling behind, but can be pricey for schools or food pantries to provide. Sonya Haines from United Way of South Central Idaho shares why this item is a huge help for schools and food pantries.

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Episode #5: School & Art Supplies

Needed all year long (not just in August & September!), sketchbooks, wooden pencils, tissues and more can help students AND teachers make it through the school year. Check out what supplies you can give and why it’s so important to donate throughout the year.

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Episode #6: Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is a vital household item that can often be too expensive to afford for families big and small. Listen in to hear from Sonya Haines of United Way of South Central Idaho on why laundry detergent should be on your donation list.

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Episode #7: Hotel Vouchers

Hotel vouchers are an essential donation for people in crisis situations. These vouchers can provide organizations the ability to serve the homeless, cancer patients and their families, displaced domestic violence victims, refugees, foster kids or others in need. Learn how community members, hotel owners and AirBnB hosts can play a key role in helping our Magic Valley citizens in crisis.
 

• Support Voices Against Violence - vavmv.org

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Episode #8: Hygiene Kits

​The most basic care necessities are often hard to come by for struggling families and they are some of the most needed items. From kids going to school to people going in for a job interview, items like deodorant, hair ties & combs, feminine products, dental care, razors, nail clippers and sunscreen are so valuable to families and individuals in crisis. Listen to find out how to put together a low-cost kit, what to put in them, and how to donate them today!
 

• Support Voices Against Violence - vavmv.org
• Support Valley House Homeless Shelter - (208) 734-7736

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Episode #9: Gas/Gift Cards

​Consider donating gift cards, including gas cards, to local non-profits that will help our local families the most. With these gift cards, homeless shelters, food pantries, hospitals and other non-profits can purchase the items they need when they need them and help those in need get to work, the grocery store, or job interviews.
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• Humane Society - twinfallsanimalshelter.com
• Support Voices Against Violence - vavmv.org
• Support Valley House Homeless Shelter - (208) 734-7736

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Episode #10: Time

Your time is one of the most valuable things you can give. How valuable? One hour of your time is $25 to a non-profit! Whether you’re an individual or employer, learn where and how to be a changemaker in your community.
 

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace - shpbeds.org
• Humane Society - twinfallsanimalshelter.com
• Support Voices Against Violence - vavmv.org
• Support Valley House Homeless Shelter - (208) 734-7736

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Episode #11: Pillows

Did you know foster children often only take one item with them to transition between homes? Pillows become a sense of stability and are often considered a luxury item. Listen to learn why new pillows are a great item to donate!
 

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace - shpbeds.org
• Humane Society - twinfallsanimalshelter.com
• Support Voices Against Violence - vavmv.org
• Support Valley House Homeless Shelter - (208) 734-7736
• CSI Refugee Center - refugeecenter.csi.edu

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Episode #12: Money

​Nothing beats monetary donations to aid your favorite Southern Idaho non-profits. Learn why $1 can go further than you think and how to support the United Way of South Central Idaho and other non-profits around the Magic Valley.

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