Aug. 31, 2022

Giving Back recognizes businesses and organizations that are helping our communities. Here’s a look at who gave back for August.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Black Hills Federal Credit Union donated more than 105,000 school supplies to more than 70 schools and organizations in the communities it serves. In Sioux Falls, items went to Lowell Elementary and Kidz Cutz, which distributed backpacks filled with supplies at the annual back-to-school event. The credit union relies on donations from members, communities and businesses across the state to gather the necessary supplies. Funds also are raised through a caramel roll sale and staff silent auction. Additionally, the annual Bus-to-Business event allows area businesses and organizations to contribute to the annual drive by helping to fill a school bus with supplies.

Central Payments

Central Payments has made two donations to commemorate a $30 million equity raise that will spin it out for its Kansas City-based parent company. It donated $5,000 to Startup Sioux Falls. In Dell Rapids, where the company was founded, it gave $5,000 to help complete a community dog park in memory of Maria Forrest, one of Central Payments’ original employees and a lover of animals, who died in 2019. The company also will make a donation in her name to the local Humane Society in each community where one of Central Payments‘ remote staff members resides.

Dakotaland Manufacturing

As part of employee appreciation week at Dakotaland Manufacturing, its foundation donated a total of $20,000 to six charities. Employees voted for their favorite cause and the top three picks received $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. North plant winners were Castlewood tornado relief, the Beacon Center in Watertown and Delta Dental of South Dakota’s mobile program. South plant winners were Paralyzed Veterans of America-North Central Chapter, the Helpline Center for suicide prevention and East River Foster Parent Network.

Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation

Walking Forward has received $200,000 in grant funding over the next two years from the Chicago-based Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation to help improve health outcomes and quality of life in American Indian communities in South Dakota. Walking Forward, a community research program of the Avera Research Institute, provides tribal communities with access to a variety of cancer-related services including cancer education and screening, earlier diagnosis and access to clinical trials. Another key service is community navigation. Working in small groups or one on one, navigators can assist patients or families with questions on any aspect of cancer prevention or treatment.

IT Outlet

IT Outlet allowed teachers to drop their Amazon Wishlist on its social media page. The Brandon-based business then spent up to $5,000 in supplies for 14 teachers in Brandon, Sioux Falls and Tea.

Security National Bank of South Dakota

Security National Bank of South Dakota is a 365 Giving Tree donor for Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota. Employees participated in a Show Your Stripes fundraising and awareness campaign. With a donation of $1 a day for a year, RMH can provide a family with a one-week stay while their child receives medical care.

Has your organization given back to the community? Or do you know an individual who proves one person can make a difference? Email us at [email protected].