NAMPA, Idaho (KBOI) - Andy Dodson knows a good investment when he sees it.
So the Edward Jones financial adviser never misses an opportunity to buy a tree from the Canyon County Festival of Trees.
"We've bought so many - we typically buy two trees a year and they've all been awesome," Dodson said from his office in downtown Nampa.
But one really stands out in his mind - the Pendleton whisky tree.
"The Pendleton tree's a man's tree, right?" Dodson said. "OK, it's got shots all over it. And it usually comes in an open fire pit."
Each year, the Canyon County Festival of Trees auctions off donated trees, with one hundred percent of the money raised on Gala night going to fund Meals on Wheels in both Nampa and Caldwell.
Saint Alphonsus Medical Center prepares meals for delivery to homebound seniors in Nampa.
The Nampa hospital's president, Travis Leach, said the need is only growing in the county.
"We know that there's a huge influx of population into Idaho in general," he said. "We see more seniors moving into Nampa in particular, as people move back to be closer to their children."
In Caldwell, meals are prepared and delivered to homebound seniors by West Valley Medical Center.
The hospital's CEO, Betsy Hunsicker, said their volunteer drivers are mindful of their mission.
"And I think there's also that element of the person that delivers the meal - and that interaction that they have - and what a difference that makes for people," Hunsicker said.
That's something Dodson considers a priceless investment.
His grandfather was once a Meals on Wheels recipient.
"It's just that seniors - if they don't drive - if they don't have someone to pick them up and take them places, they don't get out," he said. "And I think Meals on Wheels actually makes sure that a senior is at least getting one good meal a few day a week, which otherwise, they may not."
The Canyon County Festival of Trees beings Friday, November 23rd and has activities for the whole family, with the event culminating Monday night the 26th with the Gala dinner and auction, where all of the trees will be sold.
If you'd like to see the full schedule and buy tickets, head to www.canyoncountyfestivaloftrees.com.
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