The spirit of giving reigns year-round in Idaho

Every year, Thanksgiving provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on our blessings. One of the many blessings that continues to make Idaho such a great place to live is the many people in our communities who recognize the needs of others and find ways to meet them. Idahoans do this all the time, no matter what day.

We see it in the way Idaho communities step up to help with local and statewide efforts. From pulling together to care for families affected by illness or the tragic loss of a loved one, to coaching and mentoring young people, to spending time with older Idahoans to help them feel less alone, it’s all around us countless caring acts every day.

Twenty-four years ago, I created the Spirit of Idaho Award to recognize the many acts of service in local Idaho communities that may not be recognized in other ways. This award was created to draw attention to these highly valued individuals, groups and projects. Since the first award was presented in November 2000 in Twin Falls to three young Times-News newspaper publishers who helped respond to emergencies on their routes, I have had the privilege of recognizing hundreds of deserving Idahoans who have demonstrated their commitment to improvement have their community and the service to their fellow citizens. Your exemplary service helps empower others.

With the Spirit of Idaho Award, I also had the honor of recognizing a quick-thinking child who saved his brother from drowning in an abandoned well; a couple who helped advance wildlife conservation; the founder of a group that helps seniors run errands, heat their homes and other needs; a company that coordinated the construction of a home and additional assistance for a needy family in Idaho; and students who raised funds to support our nation’s military members.

Last year my office presented two Spirit of Idaho Awards. In August, I presented the Spirit of Idaho Award to Warhawk Air Museum volunteers for their efforts to showcase the history of American service members and educate visitors about the cost of freedom. In October, I honored Iona resident Phyllis Scheffler with the Spirit of Idaho Award for the more than 10,000 hours she has spent as a volunteer at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center over the past 40-plus years, comforting and supporting patients , guests and employees and provide expert knowledge that only first-hand experience can provide. These are just a few examples of Spirit of Idaho recipients and the many ministries in our communities.

There is no specific timeline for the Spirit of Idaho Awards. They are awarded for service to a community and may be given to individuals or groups. The general criteria for a Spirit of Idaho Award is that the recipient must be a resident of the state of Idaho and have set a positive example for the community. There is no formal application process, but persons wishing to file a claim with me are welcome to contact my nearest regional office (Boise 208-334-1776; Coeur d’ Alene 208-664-5490; Idaho Falls 208-522-9779 ; Lewiston 208-743-1492; 208-236-6775; If 208-734-2515) to share this information.

This Thanksgiving and every day, many in our communities and our own families are more than worthy of our gratitude. May we not overlook their acts of kindness and give due light to these good works around us. I wish you all and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving.

Mike Crapo represents the state of Idaho in the US Senate. He can be reached at crapo.senate.gov.