Fundsy, the Boise-born charitable auction, has been raising money for local capital projects for more than four decades.

The organization is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for the next round of funding in 2014.

To be considered, an organization must meet certain criteria, including having a current or pending capital project.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 1. Download an application online (link through this column at idahostatesman.com).

TREES FOR VETS

Zamzows’ Christmas fundraiser — giving a free Christmas tree to anyone who donated to the Veteran’s Transitional Living Program at the Boise Rescue Mission — paid off. Zamzows President Darin Eisnebarth recently handed a $6,540.63 check to the mission’s director, Bill Roscoe.

The money will help support veterans living in the shelter and transitioning out of homelessness.

More than 100 people made donations, including several who didn’t need a tree, but just wanted to donate, said Eisnebarth.

A NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD TRUCK

Dan Gasiorowski from the Placerville Fire Department said the donation of a truck from Idaho Power will help keep the community safe.

The department had been relying on a loaner truck from the Idaho Department of Lands, said Gasiorowski. The truck had some problems — like a failing transmission and the inability to drive in reverse.

The department didn’t have the money to replace the truck, so Gasiorowski wrote to Idaho Power asking if the agency had a surplus truck to donate. Idaho Power located a truck that was ready to be retired from service and brought it to Boise. The firefighters from Placerville came and looked it over. Their response: “Hell yes, we’ll take it,” said Gasiorowski.

Idaho Power delivered the truck to Placerville last spring. The department staffers took the water tank and pump from the old truck and installed it on the “new” one, along with extrication equipment, a winch and emergency lighting. The former Idaho Power truck has become Placerville’s sole rescue vehicle. It also supports local ambulance and life flight outings.

‘BOOK-A-LIBRARIAN’

Talk about a windfall. Library patrons who need help with their research are now able to book appointments for up to an hour of uninterrupted time with a librarian.

Staff will help with questions about technology, business or nonprofit information, project research, library and web resources and more.

Appointments are available on an on-going basis at 11 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Patrons can set up appointments using the online calendar (link through this column at idahostatesman.com). To make an appointment for a different time, call 384-4076, email askalibrarian@cityofboise.org or stop by the second-floor desk at the Main Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd.

KUDOS TO BOISE BENCH LIONS CLUB

Well, here’s what the Lions did with their 2012:

They collected 4397 used eyeglasses; screened 272 kids for medical issues; hosted a picnic for 65 children from the Gooding School for the Blind; filled 650 bags with candy for the Meals on Wheels and VA for Halloween projects (with candy donated by Idaho Candy Company); paid for 36 eye exams and donated nearly $31,000 to an array of organizations including the Sight and Hearing Foundation and the Honor Flight that sent local veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the Veteran’s Memorial, many of them for the first time.

Anna Webb: 377-6431