Local Nonprofit Orgs out in force at IDY Park Expo

Over 20 local nonprofit organizations participated in a Non-Profit Expo
in IDY park on Wednesday, August 7. Groups were there to educate and
make friends, handing out literature and small gifts. The expo
highlighted the variety of opportunities to volunteer and help our
community, from preventing, preparing for and responding to disasters,
to preserving our history, supporting the arts, and making social
connections. There was live music from Mo and Jo.

USFS brought a horse. They are always looking for volunteers to to staff
fire lookouts, help with trail maintenance, or just help out at the
front desk in the station. (FSVA.org).

Living Free brought some very adoptable puppies.(living-free.org.) ARF
was there too with animal ambassadors, and reminding pet owners about
their monthly vaccine and nail trimming clinics.
(arfidyllwild.weebly.com.) Both groups are always looking for volunteers
who love animals. The Idyllwild Garden Club brightened the place up with
some potted flowers, and had pamphlets to help with the challenges of
alpine horticulture. (Idyllwildgardenclub.com).

Red Cross volunteers explained that when local families are hit by house
fires (two in the last month) IFPD calls the Red Cross, who show up with
“comfort kits,” pre-paid debit cards, and the expert advice to steer
survivors through their misfortune. They also help prevent house fires,
offering free smoke detectors installation. Call (714) 481-5334 to set
that up. They recently stood up a shelter for those affected by the
Nixon Fire. (redcross.org/vounteer.)

Mountain Disaster Preparedness supports both residents and first
responders, and provide essential reading for residents or our beautiful
but perilous woodland urban interface. (mdpidyllwild.org).

Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council was there offering information
about abatement and the Golden Spotted Oak Borer. The send out trained
inspectors to assess trees, connect homeowners to vetted contractors,
and administer grants to defray the cost. (MCFSC.org).

Stopping by the Mountain Community Mutual Aid table, we heard that the
group is planning a pivot. With their food distribution program well
established, they are exploring ways to help Idyllwilders thrive,
beginning with a ”flourishing survey” to find out what community members
need beyond survival and “shape a more resilient future.”
(OurMountain.org.)

Idyllwild Fire Protection District’s Volunteer Fire Company 621 was also
out talking to prospects. Being a volunteer is one way to begin the path
to becoming a firefighter or EMT. The group also runs less stressful
missions like organizing spaghetti dinners and other community outreach
events. (https://idyllwildfire.com/volunteer-company-621.html)

Idyllwild Community Fund helps other groups with grants
(facebook.com/idyllwildcommunityfund.)

The Idyllwild Art Alliance is our most active local arts group. Artists
and art lovers participate in their many annual shows, including the
annual Art and Wine Walk. (https://aai.clubexpress.com/)

Other recreational, cultural and social groups at the Expo ranged from
the large to small. Idyllwild Community Center is the biggest organizer
of youth and adult sports and recreation in town, and is nearing
completion of the new Community Center.(idyllwildcommumitycenter.org).
Small groups fill special niches, like the Mountain Quilters, who were
handing out free cooling neck scarves.
([email protected]).

Friends of the Idyllwild Library, who host a variety of lectures and
activities, were there to share their calendar of upcoming and regular
educational and recreational events. (friendsofidyllwildlibrary.com.)

The Idyllwild Area Historical Society had a few items from their archive
on display, including the mimeograph machine that Town Crier founder
Ernie Maxwell used to print his first issues. Many of their lectures
happen at the library, and we are looking forward to their September 14
Home Tour. (IdyllwildHistory.org).

Other long established nonprofits that took part included: The
Associates of Idyllwild Arts (associatesofiaf.org/idyllwildarts), Pine
Cove Property Owners Association (pinecovepoa.com), Rotary
(idyllwildrotary.com), Soroptimists (siidyllwild.org), Spirit Mountain
Retreat (spiritmountainretreat.org), and Friends of the San Jacinto
Mountain County Parks (fosjmcp.org).