Community Week: Giving Back to the Communities We Serve
- mschuler3
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
At Idaho First Bank, we take the term “Community First” to heart. We are more than just bankers; we are volunteers, neighbors, and advocates for the places we live and work. As part of our commitment to this philosophy, we proudly host an annual Community First Week. During this special week, we close our branches early to allow our entire team the opportunity to volunteer with local organizations that are making a real impact in our communities.
We believe that giving back is essential—it’s woven into our “People First, Community First” philosophy. Whether it’s through direct donations or hands-on volunteering, we’re committed to supporting causes across Idaho and Oregon. Community First Week is our way of honoring those commitments, and this year we worked with several incredible organizations to make a difference.
Here’s a closer look at the causes and organizations our branches supported during Community First Week 2024:
Ronald McDonald House – Bend, OR
The Ronald McDonald House in Bend provides a home away from home for families with children receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. By giving these families, a comfortable place to stay, RMHC allows them to focus on what truly matters—the health of their child. Our Bend team spent the day helping to prepare the facility for their annual Harvest BBQ. This event welcomes families who have stayed at the House over the past year. It also gives staff and volunteers the special opportunity to reconnect with the babies and children who once needed care at the hospital.
Senior Connection – Ketchum, ID
In Ketchum, our team volunteered with the Senior Connection, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. They offer services such as transportation, meal delivery, and social activities to help older adults remain independent and connected to their community. Our team had the privilege of cleaning the Meals on Wheels vans.
Train Depot – New Meadows, ID
Our New Meadows branch partnered with the historic Train Depot in New Meadows, a beloved landmark in the community. Our team helped with restoration efforts, ensuring this vital piece of Idaho history is preserved for future generations. By volunteering here, we contributed to keeping local history alive, ensuring the depot remains a place for community connection and education.
McPaws Regional Animal Shelter – McCall, ID
McPaws is a regional animal shelter in McCall, ID, dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned and stray animals. Our McCall branch spent the afternoon picking up trash, raking, and walking some adorable dogs.
Ignite Idaho – McCall, ID
Ignite Idaho is a community-focused organization. Ignite offers an array of support resources for families in Adams County, Valley County, and beyond. A few of these resources include behavioral health services, programs for children, NICU and infant support loss, and parenting support. The McCall team enjoyed hanging out with the kiddos at one of the after-school programs and making crafts. It was a great opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact Ignite has on families in the community.
Morris Hill Cemetery Veteran Headstone Cleanup – Boise, Eagle, and Nampa, ID
Our Boise, Eagle, and Nampa branches joined forces with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Pioneer Chapter to clean and restore veteran headstones at the Morris Hill Cemetery. Honoring the memory of those who served our country is an important cause, and our team was humbled to give back in this way.
The Daughters of the American Revolution have been working on a multi-year project to secure markers for unmarked soldiers, which are in the process of being installed. By maintaining these memorials and supporting this important initiative, we ensure that the sacrifices made by veterans are remembered and respected for generations to come.
A Commitment to Community
At Idaho First Bank, Community First Week isn’t just an event—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. We’re proud to give our time to causes that make a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these outstanding organizations.
To learn more about how Idaho First Bank supports the communities we serve, or to inquire about donation requests, please visit our Community First page for more details. Together, we can continue building stronger, more vibrant communities.