BOISE — On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, JUMP was surprisingly lively. Music blasted as volunteers danced, determined to make a difference in their community.
For the first time, 9/11 Day brought its event to Idaho. The nonprofit organization advocated for the establishment of Sept. 11 as a national day of remembrance and continues to commemorate 9/11 through community service.
On Friday, more than 300 volunteers clad in hairnets worked in assembly lines to package meals for the Idaho Foodbank.
“You take something from tragedy, and you’re able to feel good about giving back and making it service,” said Jane McLaughlin, volunteer program coordinator for the Idaho Foodbank.
The day began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of 9/11. Then, the energy in the room grew, motivating volunteers to box 115,500 meals in just two hours.
Last year, the Idaho Foodbank distributed a total of 13,000 tons of food.
“It’s kind of a little icing on top,” McLaughlin said about the event.
Volunteers ranged between individuals who happened upon the signup sheet online and others who regularly take time out of their days to give back.
Veteran and founder of So Good! Parker Harger has dedicated his own life to community service, first inspired by 9/11.
“I remember watching TV, and the United States president at the time was George Bush. And he went down, and there were these firefighters, and he kind of put his arms around them,” Harger said. “And he had this bullhorn, and I remember thinking, ‘I want to do something to help my country.’”
Harger joined the Marine Corps in 2002, slightly delayed due to an influx of Americans looking to serve following the tragedy. In 2007, he returned to the Treasure Valley and worked for the Idaho State Police.
When friends asked how he was doing, Harger would always say, “So good!”
Do you LOVE local news? Get Local News Headlines in your inbox daily.
Thanks! You’ll start receiving
the headlines tomorrow!
“I moved back to Boise, and I started doing a lot of good deeds, and I came up with this slogan: ‘Do good for no good reason,’” Harger said.
So Good! functions with a coalition of volunteers motivated to support teachers, veterans and first responders. The nonprofit brings free coffee to teachers, takes retired vets out to sporting events and works regularly with the Idaho Foodbank.
Friday’s 9/11 Day reminded Harger of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that uncertain time, the food bank used JUMP’s large event space to socially distance volunteers as they worked.
Another one of Harger’s influences occurred on Oct. 1, 2017. Harger was in attendance at a country music concert in Las Vegas when a mass shooting occurred.
He and his friend lost each other in the chaos but later reunited. The shooting is among the deadliest mass shooting in American history, according to CNN, with 60 killed.
In the aftermath, Harger witnessed acts of generosity all around. Harger was sequestered with a group of 25 during the initial investigation after the shooting, with people of all different backgrounds and some who didn’t speak English. There, people lent phones to others who dropped theirs, shared water and connected.
Once he was released, Harger rode with a taxi cab driver that refused to charge anyone following the tragedy. When Harger went to donate blood, there were lines out the door.
“I just never miss opportunities to do this because I feel like the more that you give, the more that you get,” he said.
Helping the food bank fulfills the mission of So Good!, Harger said, as it ultimately serves teachers, first responders and veterans too. According to McLaughlin, 14% of Idahoans face food insecurity.
Friday’s food-packing event featured other partners including Bliss Events and Kids Around the World, which provided the food.
As difficult as things may get, rather than letting bitterness fester, Harger believes that giving back is one of the best ways to heal.
“Honestly, I started going to the food bank and I started volunteering for mental health,” Harger said. “… And as I began to do it, I started feeling purpose and love and kindness and connection. … It honestly, probably, most definitely — the dark place that I was in after that, it saved my life.”
Dining and Cooking