The Nampa Firefighters Union and the Nampa Police Association are stepping up to help the Nampa School District bus 250 children to after-school programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Nampa, the Nampa Recreation Center and the Salvation Army. Each group has pledged at least $1,000.

The programs rely on high attendance to get their funding, officials say. If the programs close, kids in the district will be without safe, healthy activities outside school.

Shaun Laughlin, the firefighters union’s vice president, says the fundraising effort is a “call to arms” for the community. The groups are asking Nampa businesses and citizens as well as others across the Valley to help the cause. The busing program costs about $8,000 a month, Laughlin said.

The Boys and Girls Club is accepting and pooling donations from the public. One hundred percent of the money will go directly to pay the fees from the bus company, said Mitch Minnette, the club’s executive director.

Donors can choose different levels. The $150 “Adopt a Pass” level will pay to bus one child to his or her program for the rest of this school year. Groups of businesses or anyone feeling generous can opt for the “Adopt a Month” program for the full $8,000.

But all donations, regardless of amount, are welcome.

Donors should make checks out to The Boys and Girls Club of Nampa and specify that they are for the “Busing Fundraiser.” Send to 316 Stampede Dr., Nampa, ID 83687.

Questions? Call Mitch Minnette at 461-7203 or Shaun Laughlin at 989-8869.

HAVE ART SUPPLIES TO DONATE? GET THEM TO WHITNEY ELEMENTARY BY WEDNESDAY

The school is accepting donations of arts and crafts supplies for teachers for use in their classrooms through the end of the year.

Needed items include leftover yarn, fabric, scrapbooking paper, paint and stickers.

Drop off donations at the school, 1609 S. Owyhee St., by Wednesday morning. Call the school at 854-6580 with questions.

TEACHERS COMMUNE

TeachIdaho, the nonprofit that gives teachers a chance to meet, share their experiences and discuss their craft, is hosting a seminar:

• “Leading without Leaving,” featuring Susan Williamson (past principal of the year), Sherawn Reberry (Idaho Leads), and Cindy Wilson (Meridian teacher of the year and Milken Scholar). The topic: how teachers can take leadership roles in their schools and districts without leaving the classroom. It is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Louie’s Pizza, 2500 Fairview Ave.

LIVESTRONG EXPANDS AT THE Y

Its namesake Lance Armstrong might have fallen from grace, but the organization continues to grow, helping people with cancer live better lives. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is now offering the Livestrong program at its Caldwell and West Y branches.

The free program offers a physical exercise and social opportunities focused on “the whole person.”

Visit the Y’s website (link through this column at idahostatesman.com) or contact Mary Biddle-Newberry at 695-1591 or mary.biddle@ymcatvidaho.org.

QUICK TAKES: GOOD NEWS

• The Operation Wish Book Campaign, which puts new books in the hands of kids in need, collected more than 6,000 books in Boise at the end of 2012. More than 55 people, many current Boise School District employees or retirees, volunteered their time.

South Junior High won the “traveling trophy” for the secondary level for collecting 779 books. Riverside Elementary School won in the elementary level for collecting 205 books.

Operation Wish Book, a nonprofit founded by retired teachers, has been active in the Valley for 20 years. The campaign runs through the fall. The Salvation Army distributes the books.

• Students at Cynthia Mann Elementary in Boise raised $135 and knitted or loomed more than 45 scarves and hats for survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

• Volunteers from Boise’s Owyhee-Harbor Elementary raised $1,945 for the school through their holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser at Boise Towne Square mall.

Anna Webb: 377-6431