BOISE, Idaho — People passing through the Boise Airport have given more than $5,000 to local nonprofits after the installation of several donation kiosks last year.
The three kiosks, which are set up in the security checkpoint area, give travelers the option to donate their spare cash or change to Neighbors in Need, Friends of Zoo Boise, or Friends of the Boise Public Library.
"Kindness is a very real part of our cultural fabric here in Boise," Mayor David Bieter said in a statement. "The money donated at the collection stations are one of the many ways our community shows kindness and support for one another."
Of the three, Neighbors in Need came out on top, raking in $2,268.90 over the past 12 months. Friends of Zoo Boise received $1,415.96 in donations, while Friends of the Boise Public Library got $1,457.72.
"The Friends are deeply appreciative of this public support," Jim James, president of the board for Friends of the Boise Public Library, said in a press release. "Thanks to each person who dropped in change and more, and thank you to the City of Boise and the airport for providing this opportunity. Community support is a big motivator as we continue fundraising for our growing library."
"Zoo Boise would like to thank everyone who contributed money from the airport kiosks," said Zoo Boise Director Gene Peacock in a release. "Those funds will help us provide top-notch animal care for our residents, help support our 2.5-acre expansion, opening July 17, and help us protect our counterparts in the wild. None of this is possible without the generous support of our community and visitors. At Zoo Boise, we've changed the act of visiting the zoo into a conservation action."