The holidays are fast approaching and while many of us think about shopping, friends, and family, and preparing for them, there is another part that many don't mention and that is all the charities and giving that is done. Everywhere and every year around this time there are charity events taking place and it is on the residents of the area to help give to these events to help those less fortunate. Twin Falls has often been referred to as a giving community, but when it comes to the rest of the country, are the people of Idaho as giving as they think they are?

The Most Giving and Least Giving States in the United States

Credit: Thinkstock Images
Credit: Thinkstock Images
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When it comes to being a charitable state, while many of us think of Idahoans as giving, compared to other states that may not be the case. WalletHub recently released a list of the most charitable states and ranked the states using two main categories, such as charitable giving, and volunteering and service. It is easy to give donations, but giving time and service is much harder to come by. Using these criteria, it was determined that our neighbor to the south, Utah is the most charitable state in the United States. Maryland came in second, with Minnesota coming in third. Arizona was ranked as the most selfish state, with New Mexico and Mississippi, not being as giving as well, rounding out the bottom three.

Why Idaho is Not as Charitable as You Think

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Credit: kuarmungadd
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You may think because Twin Falls seems to be a giving community, that the rest of the state is the same way, but that is not the case, according to this list. Idaho ranks 31 on the list of most charitable states. In terms of rankings by the categories, it is the opposite of what you would think. Idaho is 8 in volunteering and service, but ranks as the second worst state, at 49 in charitable giving. We, are willing to give our time and effort, but not willing to donate what we have or spend money to donate. Also, an interesting note is while Utah ranked number one in many departments, they are the state with the least charities per capita. 

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While we often pride ourselves on giving during the holidays in the Magic Valley, we either aren't giving enough, or the rest of the state is failing and not doing its part. While donating time and effort is hard to find, it needs to be a balance of giving and volunteering. While not everyone is capable of giving, as the holidays roll around, if you can, help where you can so those in need can have a great holiday season and also stay warm this winter. Have a giving heart this holiday season. 

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