Governor recognizes Arco volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 26, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]

An Arco volunteer was honored for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, Oct. 22.

Serve Idaho, the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Jeanne Keller with the Idaho's Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Keller founded Wish Upon a Star: Christmas for the Children and has dedicated 29 years to helping families and children experiencing economic hardship. Each holiday season, she volunteers approximately 60 hours a week to help provide Christmas gifts, clothing and food to families throughout the Lost River Valley.

Keller's work also helps build positive relationships between children and local law enforcement. Keller and the program's volunteers recognized an opportunity to help children see law enforcement in a different light and build trust with deputies as caring members of their community.

Last year, the program served 36 families, including 95 children, providing support and helping bring the joy of Christmas to families in need.

Idaho's Brightest Star Award recognizes outstanding volunteers from across the state. It is a partnership between Gov. Little's office, Serve Idaho and the Idaho Community Foundation.

Visit serve.idaho.gov for more information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities.

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Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho's AmeriCorps programs. In 2025, Serve Idaho supported five AmeriCorps programs focused on key areas such as education, healthy futures and environmental stewardship. More than 260 AmeriCorps volunteers served communities across Idaho, helping address local unmet needs and making a meaningful impact throughout the state.

Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded through local support.