RAPID CITY, S.D. — In it’s 3rd year now, South Dakota Gives is making the most of the Giving Tuesday movement and cashing in on the awareness that the day creates.
Kelly Gibson, the Coordinator of South Dakota Gives, says, “The South Dakota Day of Giving is much like Giving Tuesday – it provides nonprofits in the state the opportunity to create some awareness about the issue that they address in the state, awareness about the importance of their work, to raise some dollars, and to encourage volunteerism in their work. So, much like Giving Tuesday, it’s about celebrating generosity and creating awareness for nonprofits.”
About 415 organizations are registered with South Dakota Gives, but there are others participating that are not registered. Look for activity on your favorite organizations social media pages Tuesday to see how you can participate.
SD Gives is a volunteer-led effort and also gives out additional money on Tuesday to participating organizations.
Gibson says, “By localizing it to South Dakota, more organizations are participating and donors are assured that their gifts stay local.”
Nonprofits like the Front Porch Coalition will be asking for your help to in turn help others in the community who have lost loved ones.
The youth suicide rate in Pennington County has increased 233% so far since 2019. Front Porch has launched a ‘Defy and Defeat’ group for teens to teach coping skills and get them involved in the community.
“Unfortunately, suicide is an epidemic in our community, and these services are so important to the families who have lost someone. We need to do something preventive for our teens in this community; getting funding for that and getting that launching, you know, is a task, ” says Bridget Swier, Events & Fundraising Coordinator at Front Porch Coalition.
It costs nearly $38,000 to run their L.O.S.S. team – services that are provided at no cost to any family in the area that has lost a loved one to suicide. Front Porch is also selling raffle tickets for specialty items. Check their Facebook for details.
This year is especially important to support the work being done at home by donating to local nonprofits.
Click here for a list of SD Gives 2020 participants.
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