Idaho State University-Meridian staff, students brighten holidays for Treasure Valley families

Cardboard bins of canned food and brightly wrapped packages decked the halls and offices at Idaho State University-Meridian in December as faculty, staff and students worked to brighten the holidays for needy Treasure Valley families.

"When everyone gives a little, the combined outcome is overwhelming," said Holiday Committee Chair Gabriel Bargen, an assistant audiology professor. "I thank all committee members for their hard work."

A silent auction and raffle netted more than $2,100 to buy gifts, food baskets and necessities for four Treasure Valley families provided through the Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family Program and community referrals. Approximately $500 was used to help one family buy building supplies to repair their dilapidated home, said Bargen. Committee members delivered the gifts and food Dec. 19.

Other holiday activities included a Toys for Tots and food drive.  Faculty, staff and students collected more than 1,081pounds of canned and nonperishable food for The Idaho Foodbank, the state’s largest anti-hunger organization and distributor of free emergency food. 

Third-year pharmacy students gathered 238 pounds—the most of any department—entitling them to a hot cocoa and cookie party in January courtesy of the Holiday Committee.

The Foodbank has warehouses in Boise, Lewiston and Pocatello.

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