SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Scrooge’s nephew said it himself in the timeless story of “A Christmas Carol,” describing this time of year as “a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.” It’s still that: a few weeks when people may find it within themselves to give to charity. And a gift now until the end of this month will have a doubled impact for Feeding South Dakota.
“We’ve got a year-end match with Bill and Carolyn Hinks of South Dakota Furniture Mart,” said Jennifer Stensaas, community engagement manager with Feeding South Dakota. “We’re so grateful to them for their continued partnership.”
Thus, giving $100 will become $200 thanks to their ensuing match. This began on Dec. 9, and it’s a timely development.
“Feeding South Dakota is seeing a 20% increase of need across our programs, and so those donations are really going to come in helpful at the end of this month,” Stensaas said.
Feeding South Dakota works to help out people feeling the impact of food insecurity; Arts South Dakota is all about lifting up that first word in their name.
“What we do is connect and educate and advocate for artists, art educators, anyone involved with the arts,” said Amanda Levesque, director of development services with Arts South Dakota. “We act as a unified voice for those folks.”
The kindness of someone believing in that unified voice means the world to them.
“Our donors are our lifeblood … they are the reason that we are able to continue our work,” Levesque said.
And so, if a well-wisher might be considering donating to a nonprofit during the holiday season, Levesque has a suggestion.
“We do encourage folks to remember their nonprofits when they’re donating because in a world where everyone can get whatever they want on their front doorstep in less than 24 hours, the nonprofits really are boots on the ground, and we’re the folks that bring communities together,” Levesque said.
