NAMPA — The Nampa Chamber of Commerce hopes to purchase at least 100 $20 gift cards to benefit local homeless students.

Chamber President and CEO Georgia Bowman said she recently learned there are nearly 500 homeless students enrolled in schools in the Nampa School District.

"There are just so many of these kids that are living with friends or are all split up," Bowman said. "This made sense that it's something we should try to help out with."

The chamber has asked local businesses to donate, but Bowman said donations by individuals are welcome too.

School workers will take the students shopping to ensure the gift cards are used to help meet their needs, Bowman said.

"They maybe don't have a coat, they don't have boots, they don't have a pair of warm shoes for winter," she said.

The chamber will hold its "Stuff the Stocking" fund raiser at its Dec. 9 luncheon, Bowman said. The chamber will put half of the proceeds toward the gift card program. The other half will be given to the Nampa Rotary Club to help local families and children supported by Salvation Army programs.

Anyone who wishes to donate can visit the Nampa Chamber of Commerce at 312 13th Ave. S. or call Bowman at 880-2299.