Last month, more than 70 volunteers teamed up to make homes safer in Boise Bench neighborhood during our Sound the Alarm event.

The event grew out of a partnership with the Boise Fire Department, which helped volunteers canvass residential neighborhoods leading up to the event and joined them in installing smoke alarms.

It was the chapter's largest volunteer turnout for a Sound the Alarm event to date, with community partners including the City of Boise, Boise State University, Idaho Central Credit Union, Core Construction, Bridge Tyler/4 Construction, Boise Fire Department, Ada West School District, Micron and Boise State students, including members of Beta Alpha Psi, joining the effort.

Together, volunteers helped make 36 homes safer, installing more than 100 free smoke alarms, replacing batteries and sharing home fire safety information with more than 100 residents and families throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Volunteers say the event was a powerful example of neighbors helping neighbors, highlighting how strong community partnerships can make a lasting difference in neighborhoods like these.

“Seeing that many people come out to help and give up a Saturday truly warmed my heart,” Sound the Alarm event organizer Mike Bolts said. “Every smoke alarm that we installed was important to that resident, and to the community, and to our partners with Boise Fire.”

For Mike, the impact of these visits goes beyond installing smoke alarms. Walking into a home without working alarms is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's safety, while also offering a friendly face and a listening ear.

That connection can be especially meaningful for older residents, some of whom may not have many opportunities for social interaction.

“I let them tell me their stories, and we both feel better about it when we are done,” Mike said.

The day also highlighted the relationships the Red Cross has built with local businesses and community organizations whose generosity helped make the event possible.

Symms Fruit Ranch, Pastry Perfection Bakery, Ridley's and All Pro Glass donated apples, cookies, hot dogs, buns, condiments and snacks, while an anonymous donor provided bottled water to help keep volunteers fueled throughout the day.

That generosity extended beyond the event itself, with 75 pounds of food donated to the Boise Mission, creating another ripple of support for the community.