Volunteers Needed Now: Help Idaho Falls Thrive!

Cora Garrette - Dardzinski
Staff Writer
  Looking to volunteer in Idaho Falls to help out the community this school year? There are several places in the surrounding area that are offering students to do just that! These places include the Parks Department, the Public Library, the City Museum, and the Community Hospital.
  The Department of Parks and Recreation located at 520 Memorial Dr, has only a few requirements volunteers have to follow. They have to be able to provide their own items depending on the weather like gloves, hats, or sunscreen. When helping, they have to be available to be able to track their volunteer work and the hours to give to the coordinator at the end of the day. In addition, any volunteer under 14 has to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or group leader. There are also multiple choices within this volunteer work to choose from including working with flower beds, a field, or taking care of a park.
  Another volunteer option is the Idaho Falls Public Library, located on 457 W Broadway St. Volunteers will help with tasks such as helping with summer reading, unboxing and receiving new books, helping in the computer room, and helping with makerspace materials and activities. To volunteer at the library, students must be at least 14 years old, complete training, and participate in an interview. Before reaching that stage, they must first fill out an application form and submit it to the administration office, located on the first floor near the elevator.
  On the 400-block corner of W Broadway Street, the Museum of Idaho is accepting volunteers 16 years of age or older. Volunteer options include gallery attendant, safety and security, tour guide, education, community involvement, exhibition, and various other options. A volunteer must work three to four hours a week. If the volunteer cannot work those hours, a special schedule has to be arranged. Along with the strict schedule, comes the benefits such as free admission, the opportunity to earn extra tickets, a 10% discount on museum merchandise, invitations to special events, and the chance to earn an internship. 
  There is also an availability to volunteer at the community hospital for students over the age of sixteen. For this volunteer option students can help staff and patients and help with a fundraiser for CEI that is specifically for students there who are going into the medical field. For this position, volunteers have to be able to complete 100 hours of volunteer work within a 12 month- period. They have to arrive on time just like one would for any other job, as well as follow a strict dress code with an official name badge during every shift. They also have to make it through a background check, a health screening, as well as receive an annual flu shot. Volunteer placement options include the lobby, information desk, snack cart, surgical waiting room, cardiac imaging, emergency department, medical-surgical unit, and pediatrics.
  All of these places can use more volunteers, so do not be afraid to sign up for one to help out and make a change in the community.
https://idahofallsidaho.gov/
https://www.ifpl.org/
https://museumofidaho.org/
https://www.idahofallscommunityhospital.com/volunteer-program/