Idahoans invited to complete 250,000 acts of service for America's 250th anniversary

Idahoans are invited to complete 250,000 acts of service through July 4 as part of the America250 in Idaho initiative, and Rep. Brandon Mitchell will introduce a supporting resolution on Jan. 22; participants are asked to log activities via JustServe.

Idaho leaders and volunteer organizers announced a plan to record 250,000 acts of service across the state through July 4 as part of America250 in Idaho. Jessica Cooper Whiting, executive chairman of the America250 in Idaho service challenge committee, made the announcement at a JustServe community action event in Idaho Falls. The effort is framed as a yearlong partnership to highlight community engagement tied to the 250th anniversary. Organizers said Idaho Falls will pilot the program for the rest of the state and that a statewide culminating gathering is planned but not yet finalized. Key details: - The stated goal is 250,000 intentional and measurable acts of service to be completed through July 4, 2026. - The announcement was made by Jessica Cooper Whiting at the Melaleuca Conference Center during a JustServe event with local nonprofits in attendance. - Rep. Brandon Mitchell is scheduled to introduce a resolution in the Idaho Legislative Session on Jan. 22 to support the initiative; the resolution will be voted on and recorded in the state's historical record. - JustServe is listed as a partner and resource for service opportunities, and participants are asked to log their activities on that platform. - Idaho Falls is serving as the pilot location, with local organizations such as the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, Community Food Basket, Humanitarian Center, and People in Need Coalition participating. - Organizers highlighted community groups and a new volunteer effort called Village Threads, and Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth created collectible cards linked to the America250 kickoff. Summary: The initiative aims to engage organizations and individuals across Idaho in a coordinated service challenge tied to the state's role in America250. The next formal step is the introduction of a supporting resolution by Rep. Brandon Mitchell on Jan. 22, which will be voted on and entered into the state's historical record; plans for a statewide culminating gathering remain undetermined at this time.