If you're wondering how you can help victims of the Spokane fires, the Rathdrum Lions Club is recruiting up to 120 volunteers to run the parking program at the North Idaho State Fair Aug. 21-30. 

Anyone can sign up for a shift. All the revenue earned will be donated to support individuals impacted by the fires and help them rebuild. 

“We are a service organization. Our mission is to serve,” said Rathdrum Lions Club Chair Joseph “Hippy Joe” Hume.

Volunteer shifts will last four to five hours, with $25 raised per hour of work. Each volunteer will raise about $100 per shift. Hume anticipates a chaotic and exciting scene at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. He is looking to fill a variety of volunteer roles, including ticket sellers, ticket-checkers at the rodeo grounds and parking assistants. 

Last year, volunteers from multiple nonprofits filled usher, cleaning and ticket-taking roles at the North Idaho State Fair. Together, they raised nearly $300,000 for charitable causes. Kootenai County Fairgrounds General Manager Alexcia Jordan expects to exceed that amount this year. 

She is excited that Rathdrum Lions decided to donate the funds they earn to support fire victims, and believes they are prepared for the challenging task of running the parking program.

“Lions are one of those groups who always seem to go above and beyond to help someone who needs it,” Jordan said. “I think they’ll do an exceptional job.”

As a thank you for their service, each volunteer who works with the Lions will receive one admission ticket and parking pass per shift for the North Idaho State Fair. 

Volunteer positions are filling fast. To sign up for a shift, call or text Hume at 208-269-5460, or email [email protected].