Spreading a ‘Beautiful Light’: People Come Together for Year of Service in Idaho

In Idaho, the year 2026 is all about serving others.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the legislature voted unanimously on Thursday to make 2026 a year of volunteerism. The resolution includes an invitation for Idahoans of all ages to collectively perform 250,000 acts of service throughout the year to “fill our communities with hope and kindness.”

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One of the first service opportunities came later in the day at the state capitol. A JustServe.org-sponsored project brought people together to assemble hygiene kits for schools across Idaho.

“Think about the opportunity to relieve just a little bit of stress for a family,” said Megan Remaley, president and CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley. “This is one less thing that they have to think about in their budget, in their time, to have all of these hygiene items ready for their family. And then think about the confidence boost it offers kids to know that they have what they need to be healthy and well and show up as their best in the classroom, ready to learn.”

Mackenzie King, a high school student in Boise, said Thursday’s service opportunity was a moment of joy.

“When I’m serving, I feel my happiest,” King said. “Getting to share that with others and share that light is awesome. Whenever I’m feeling stressed out, if I just go out and serve someone, it really makes me feel 10 times better.”

Eddie Trask, executive director of Catholic Charities of Idaho, called Thursday’s resolution “a dream.” He said using freedom to serve others is core to the idea of independence as a country.

“If you don’t take the freedom that you have been given and use it for good in helping neighbors, then what good is the freedom if it’s only used on yourself?” Trask said. “[Service will expand our] hearts, and the recipient of course gets to see that someone cares about and someone sees them at a time where a lot of people feel completely unseen, completely uncared for.”

Jessica Cooper Whiting, a JustServe specialist in Idaho and executive of the America250 in Idaho service challenge committee, said she is excited about the state’s focus on service because it will bring people together.

“In a world where there’s a lot of anger and polarity, there’s beautiful light that comes from serving one another,” Whiting said.

JustServe.org is provided as a service by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional community service in support of America250 took place on Wednesday, January 21, 275 miles to the east in Rexburg. The Church donated 40,000 pounds of food to the Rexburg Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP). This is one of the Church’s 250 truckloads of food, which it is delivering to 250 food banks throughout the United States in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Other donations have occurred in Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas.

“There is a surprising amount of food insecurity here in Rexburg,” said Morgan Dortch, a coordinator with EICAP.

Whether it is senior citizens without nearby family or the young student population at BYU–Idaho who are on their own for the first time, Dortch said the need is there.

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“There are so many people that are so grateful just to be able to have anything,” Dortch said. “We have people come in and say, ‘I have nothing at all. I just need something. I have little kids. They need to eat.’ It’s always wonderful to be able give them something to make a meal, to feed their kids, to fill their own bellies. We’ll be able to use this [food] for quite some time to come. It will go into the hands of a lot of families every year.”

Eric Andreasen, a JustServe coordinator in Rexburg, echoed Dortch’s comments. He added that service is at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“You feel better when you get out and serve,” Andreasen said. “There’s something about having hands-on interaction with people that is just way more fulfilling than sitting and doing something disconnected. You can call it the spirit of Christ or the spirit of community. You can’t find it any other way than when you get out and serve other people.”

Those looking for service opportunities in Idaho are encouraged to visit JustServe.org.

“If you are looking for purpose, go to JustServe.org. Go find a project, and you will find purpose, you will find friendships, you’ll find connection,” Whiting said.

Statewide Recognition

Idaho’s dedication to service earned it the first-ever designation of a JustServe state.

Governor Brad Little, Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon and House Speaker Mike Moyle accepted the JustServe State Award on behalf of Idaho from Steve Bulpitt, global field manager for JustServe, during the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) City Officials’ Day at the Capitol on Thursday, January 29, 2026. “This award reflects the belief that service has the power to transform communities,” Bulpitt said.

“I’m very honored for the state of Idaho to receive this award,” said Governor Little. He explained that service is at the heart of the state. “It’s fundamental to what we are in Idaho.”

During the award presentation, every Idaho city was challenged to become a JustServe City. JustServe Cities are recognized for their commitment to volunteerism, collaboration among organizations, inclusive service opportunities and dedication to driving positive change. Idaho currently leads the nation with the highest number of JustServe Cities.

“We can serve our neighbors, and we can do even small acts that grow into really big foundational changes for our communities, our state and our country as a whole,” said Kelley Packer, executive director of the AIC.