Soroptimist gift drive: Still time to bring holiday cheer to Idaho seniors, foster kids

The Soroptimist International of Boise Holiday Gift Project moved to an online platform last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic — a decision many organizers made for in-person events to protect the health of the community.

It was the first time that the annual gift-giving campaign’s wish list was not printed in the Thanksgiving edition of the Idaho Statesman since the project launched in 1957 to bring Christmas to Treasure Valley seniors who otherwise might not receive gifts during the holiday season. Foster children were added to that list in 1971.

This method lifted the Christmas spirit for 300 seniors and 200 foster kids in 2020, according to a news release.

And here we are, a year later, and the tradition remains as an online process because of continuing safety concerns for all those involved. Donors will once again browse through all of the recipients’ wish items and complete their shopping through Amazon Gift Lists.

Once the gift is purchased, it will be sent to a collection site in Boise, where Soroptimist members will sort and distribute items to the appropriate locations.

For those interested in bringing some much-needed joy and hope to Treasure Valley seniors citizens and foster kids this Christmas season, you can access the lists and fulfill wish items until Dec. 5 at soroptimistboise.org/holiday-project.

Another option — let Soroptimist shop for you. Just make a cash donation either through PayPal at soroptimistboise.org/holiday-project or mail a check to: Soroptimist International of Boise, P.O. Box 8885, Boise, ID 83707, and specify how the funds should be disbursed (either to seniors or fosters). Monetary donations are used to purchase items remaining on the list after Dec. 6.

Yet another option is to purchase $25 gift cards to Walmart, Target, Fred Meyer, Dutch Bros., Wahooz Family Fun Zone, T.J. Maxx, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Urban Air Adventure Park or Vans, and mail them to Soroptimist International of Boise.

For those who are comfortable shopping in store, you can purchase wish-list items or gift cards at local stores and deliver to Water Ski Pro Shop at 875 W. McGregor Court, Boise. No need to wrap the item, just label it with Holiday Gift Project, the letter of the facility and the person’s name (ex. Holiday Gift Project, L, Betty). If you purchase something locally, contact the project coordinator Shirley Biladeau at siboise@soroptimist.net so the items can be removed from the online lists.

For more information about the mission of SI of Boise, go to soroptimistboise.org.