​Your Holiday Give Back Guide

A stress-free way to support local nonprofit organizations

By HPR Staff 

submit@hpr1.com

It’s that time of the year when we all think about giving back to our community. It feels good to help create a little peace and goodwill at a time when the world is especially cold and dark. But there are so many worthy causes (and so much to do during this busy holiday season) that it’s hard to know where to start.

So consider this your holiday giving cheat sheet. It connects you with dozens of worthy nonprofit organizations in our community who need your help. To keep things simple, we’ve outlined three easy ways you can make a difference right now.

Of course, cash donations do most of the heavy lifting in a nonprofit organization. A financial donation maximizes your impact and keeps the program’s wheels turning. So if you can afford it, donate today.

But if you can’t, don’t worry. There are so many ways to give back. Many of them don’t require you to spend a dime or leave your couch.

The organizations on this list are doing vital work all over our community. They’re bringing joy to kids, creating art, protecting the environment, fighting addiction, and providing mental health support. They uplift farmers and ranchers, offer valuable social services for folks in crisis, bring comfort to patients, find loving homes for pets, and help connect students, seniors and everyone in between.

Jessy’s Toy Box

Website: https://jessystoybox.com/

“We are trying to make every kid’s stay or treatment or appointment a little bit easier for them,” says founder Heather Haberman, who runs this non-profit in memory of her son Jessy, who came up with the idea after facing many hospital stays himself. “It’s a scary place and as a parent I’m well aware of how scary it can be for the kids. This is just a little something that takes away from that moment and lets them be a kid for a little bit.”

Three ways to help:

Give new toys. “We are always looking for toy donations. Barbies, Matchbox cars – the items don’t need to be huge items.

Pick up and drop off toy boxes.

Attend the Back to School Fundraiser in the fall. It includes kids’ games, bouncy houses, a purse raffle and silent auction.

4 Luv of Dog Rescue

Website: https://www.4luvofdog.org/

“4 Luv of Dog is dedicated to rescuing homeless and unwanted animals from animal pounds, shelters and people/owners who can no longer provide proper care for the animals,” explains President Natalie Johnson-Metcalf. “(Its mission) is to provide those animals with proper and needed veterinary care, food, shelter and socialization; to find responsible, safe and loving homes to adopt these rescued animals.”

Three ways to help:

Donate FROMM Classic Dog Food or Puppy food, soft treats & pill pockets, NylabonesBenebones, Martingale Collars, bottled water, paper towels, poop bags, or drawstring trash bags (strong tall and 39-gallon).

Bid during 16th annual Silent Auction in November.

Volunteer. “We are always looking for volunteers for foster homes, volunteers to work at our shelter caring for the dogs waiting for a foster or adopted home,” says Johnson-Metcalf. “We use volunteers to transport dogs to and from vet visits, or to events. We are always looking for people to complete reference checks for applicants. (This can be done from the comfort of your own home!) We need people to complete home visits for applicants.”

River Keepers

Website:riverkeepers.org

“River Keepers provides opportunities for the community to learn about the Red River, help sustain it and safely enjoy it through community events such as Reforest the Red, the Red River Water Festival, River Paddling Excursion, youth fishing clinics, etc.,” explains Executive Director Christine Holland.

Three ways to help:

Volunteer: “River Keepers works with almost 2,000 volunteers annually to help clean up the banks of the Red River, mark storm drains, plant trees and shrubs along the Red River, teach youth activities related to water, make T-shirt totes to give away at events, be an active board member, and more.”

Attend the Winter Solstice Walk at M.B. Johnson Park on December 21 from 5:30-8 p.m.

Donate gently used T-shirts and fabric scissors to be transformed into tote bags or pass along 55-gallon food grade barrels that will be turned into rain barrels or compost tumblers.

Theatre B

Website:https://theatreb.org/

“We make theatre that is challenging, interesting, and unexpected for our audiences – plays that you might otherwise have to go to The Cities to see,” says Executive Director Colt Neidhardt.

Three ways to help:

Buy tickets or gift certificates for the2023-2024 season.

Volunteer: “We are always happy to have new volunteers that are interested in ushering, bartending, or even helping us to build sets,” says Neidhardt. Email info@theatreb.org for details.

Donate coffee, paper towels, copy paper, tools, and new or gently used building materials.

Heartview Foundation

Website: https://heartview.org

“Our mission is to provide treatment for individuals with substance abuse disorder and to help them restart their new life,” explains Jennifer Greuel, Direction of Communications and Public Relations. “In addition, we help educate the next generation of counselors, doctors and nurses who will be entering the substance abuse and medical field, while also educating the public about addiction in order to reduce stigma.

“In 2022, we served almost 800 individuals at our locations in Bismarck and Cando. And in 2023 we opened a 16-bed residential facility in Dickinson.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer by emailing info@heartview.org.

Donate toiletries and clothing. “Many of our clients are homeless when they come to us, so we provide clothing and toiletry items,” says Greuel. “Right now we are looking for used or new winter coats, hats, and gloves, along with new toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.”

Bid on patient artwork during the Art Auction in March.

Plains Art Museum

Website: https://plainsart.org/

“Plains Art Museum (PAM) connects art, artists, and audiences to foster creative, resilient, and welcoming communities,” says Graphics and Communication Manager Cody Jacobson. “As the largest and only accredited art museum in the region, the Plains offers high-quality art exhibitions that connect local and regional artists and culture to (inter)nationally recognized artists and art movements. In addition, PAM is a community-centered art museum that offers unique educational programs and classes, including printmaking, ceramics, painting, and more.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer to help in the community gardens, or assist with Kid Quest, a free family program on Saturdays.

Become a member to earn discounts at PAM and membership privileges at more than 1,000 museums across the world.

Go to the Spring Gala, the museum’s largest fundraiser. It’s scheduled for May 4, 2024 and features an art auction, music, food, and a wine tasting.

Kicks Band of Fargo Moorhead

Website: www.fmkicksband.com

“We want people to discover the world of jazz,” says Music Director and Executive Director Tim Johnson. “Jazz is authentic, original American made music with 150 years of history. It's often joyful music with substance.

Three ways to help:

Share content. “One of the easiest ways for folks to help is to share our social media posts, “says Johnson. “Invite a friend to go to the next Kicks Band concert.”

Go to a Kicks Band concert, like Monroe Wright III, A Tribute to the Mills Brothers with Debbie O'Keefe at the Fergus Falls Arts Center on January 20, 2024. Or check out the Kicks Band Jazz Festival on August 4, 2024.

Donate printer paper, ink cartridges or file folders.

Jamestown Art Center

Website: https://jamestownarts.com/

“(We are) a defibrillator for our community, with the mission of enriching the Jamestown area community through the art,” says Angela Martini, Advertising and PR Manager. “We awaken and expose our patrons to many forms of art (dance, theater, classes, etc) that they may be experiencing for the first time.”

Three ways to help:

Donate “sturdy shelving that can hold ceramic or other artworks safely. We are always open to donations of art supplies—sketchbooks, watercolors, acrylic paints, paint palettes, palette knives, etc,” adds Martini.

Attend the Annual Gala on March 3, 2024.

Volunteer to help with mailings, data entry, or serve as a teaching artist or assistant.

FM Opera

Website:https://www.fmopera.org/

“FM Opera is celebrating our 55th season of bringing operatic music to the Fargo-Moorhead area,” says Curt Olds, General Director. “Our mission is to enrich the community by producing quality opera, an art form which brings together vocal, symphonic, and chamber music and integrates it with dance and dramatic elements. Of all the art forms, opera does it all! Fargo-Moorhead is one of only a few cities of its size to have a full-time opera company.”

Three ways to help:

Host a visiting artist. “We are always looking for people who can welcome an artist into their home for a few weeks,” Olds says.

Buy a ticket for Speed Dating Tonight! at TAK Event Center in March.

Be a part of the show. Community members can actually sing in a production or help out backstage.

Taube Museum of Art  

Website: Taubemuseum.org

“Our mission is to enrich lives through the visual arts,” says Rachel Alfaro, who serves as Executive Director of this Minot museum. “We focus on utilizing the arts as an instrument to strengthen community bonds, bring joy, and improve our community.”

Three ways to help:

Donate supplies. New or gently used art supplies and office supplies like staples, paper, and envelopes are useful.

Teach a class. “We are always looking for artists and makers with something unique to teach,” says Alfaro.

See The Sketchbook Project, the world’s largest collection of sketchbooks. It arrives in 2024.

Faith4Hope Scholarship Fund

Website:https://www.faith4hope.com/

“Our mission is to bring our community hope and equality with our services and events,” says Founder and Director Faith Dixon. “Faith4Hope lives to give back, bring hope, and make a difference today for better tomorrows.”

Three ways to help:

Donate food, like canned goods and non-perishable items.

Attend an event. “In 2024 we will have events throughout the year,” explains Dixon. “February for Black History Month, October for Costume Party, November for Thanksgiving Dinner and December for our Christmas Wonderland.”

Volunteer at events and the food pantry.

Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County

Website: https://www.hcscconline.org/

“Our mission (is) to share the many histories and cultural heritages of the people of our region,” says Executive Director Maureen Kelly Jonason.

Three ways to help:

Donate rare or everyday items. “Donations of unique objects or documents that tell the stories of the people of Clay County, MN, are always appreciated,” says Kelly Jonason. “Everyday work clothes are just as important as wedding dresses and military uniforms.”

Volunteer at the admissions desk, help in the gift shop, or give tours of the Stave Church.

Visit the museum often, since programming changes. The Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories exhibit closes Jan. 7.

Lend A Hand Up

Website: https://lendahandup.org/

“We make people’s time and gifts go further to help their neighbors who are hurting due to health issues or other trauma,” says Director Jeana Peinovich.

Three ways to help:

Donate baskets and gift cards for silent and online auctions.

Give to the Holiday Hand Up campaign in December by donating to an active fundraiser.

Be a Holiday Angel. Get matched with a family, then share a note and a gift card.

Nexus-PATH Family Healing

Website:https://www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/

“Nexus-PATH Family Healing is on a mission to change a child’s life through stabilizing families and strengthening mental health,” says Marketing Manager Sarah DeYonge.

Three ways to help:

Donate essentials likemicrowaveable meals, snacks, diapers, laundry and dish soaps.

Pass along furnishings. “Our Independent Living programs support youth as they age out of foster care by making sure they have a fully furnished apartment to move into,” explains DeYonge. “So any home items for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms are always accepted.”

Become a foster parent. Visitfosterwithnexuspath.org to learn more.

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Website:https://dakotaranch.org/

“The mission of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is to help at-risk children and their families succeed in the name of Christ,” explains Anne Compere, Director of Mission Advancement. “We do this by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.”

Three ways to help:

Give gently used items to the thrift store. “Donating to a Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store helps us underwrite services for the children in our care,” says Compere.

Shop at the thrift stores. Profits help care for the kids.

Volunteer at the thrift stores or with small fundraising projects.

Fargo Theatre

Website: https://fargotheatre.org/

“Our mission is to maintain the Fargo Theatre’s historic facility while offering the highest quality film and performing arts programming possible,” says Executive Director Emily Beck. “We strive to curate a dynamic and diverse slate of entertainment that truly offers something for everyone.

Arts education is also an important element of what we do. We welcome thousands of students every year for field trips and produce educational opportunities like Fargo Film Festival workshops or panel discussions.”

Three ways to help:

Usher a live event as a volunteer.

Become a member to enjoy perks like $5 new releases on Thursdays.

Volunteer to help plan and execute the Fargo Film Festival, held March 19-23, 2024.

Humanities North Dakota

Website:www.humanitiesnd.org

“It shouldn’t be frustrating or expensive to pursue a journey of lifelong learning,” says Brenna Gerhardt, Executive Director. “That’s why since 1973, Humanities North Dakota has developed affordable, accessible and engaging classes and events.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer at events as a staff member or a discussion facilitator.

Teach a course. “If you have an advanced degree in a humanities field, we are looking for scholars to teach online Public University classes,” Gerhardt says.

Attend A Brave Conversation Project featuring Chloe Valdary on April 18, 2024. It’s grounded in her Theory of Enchantment, a dope antiracism practice.

The Spirit Room

Website: http://www.spiritroom.net/

“The Spirit Room is dedicated to enriching lives through the promotion and engagement of Creative, Contemplative, and Healing Arts,” explains Hollie DeFrancisco, Gallery Manager and Administrative Assistant. “Each year we carefully construct events that we think could inspire and uplift our community. The Spirit Room partners with local and regional artists, scholars, workshop leaders, and professionals to ensure our programming is presented accurately and authentically.”

Three ways to help:

Share your art. Help design the website and marketing materials or hang exhibitions.

Write for good. “Those gifted with literary talents are welcome to connect with us for our social media needs or write for us,” adds DeFrancisco.

Volunteer as a docent in the gallery or for special events.

Live Like Rach

Website: https://livelikerach.org/

“With the funds donated tolivelikerach.org, we can undertake media campaigns throughout the region displaying the signs and symptoms of CRC (colorectal cancer),” say Pat and Eric Monson, who lost their daughter Rachel to the disease. Their organization is named for her.

Three ways to help:

Comfortwomen receiving chemo. Care package needs include blankets, insulated water bottles, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion.

Help with office tasks before Giving Hearts Day in February. Volunteers update email lists, contact donors and businesses, and assist with events.

Write and mail thank you cards.

Plants for Patients

Website: http://plantsforpatients.org/

How do you describe your mission in your own words?

“Plants for Patients is a grassroot non-profit in the Fargo Moorhead area that focuses on cultivating compassion and community,” says President Elle Anderson. “We provide a plant and pot to those that receive any service (abortions/testing etc) at the Red River Women's Clinic and a note of compassion letting patients know that even if they think they don't have anyone supporting them, they do and we are here for them.”

Three ways to help:

Donate plants or pots.

Attend a pot making class at the Plains Art Museum’s Center for Creativity. “You take your favorite pot home,” says Anderson. “The rest come to us.”

Volunteer at a class or at summer markets.

Barnes County Historical Society Museum

Website: https://www.barnescountyhistoricalsociety.com/

“We tell the story of Barnes County, ND through the collection and preservation of artifacts related to its citizens,” says Curator Wes Anderson.

Three ways to help:

Become a member to show your community pride.

Volunteer.

Fix and restore items in the museum’s collection.

FMBallet

Website:https://www.fmballet.org/

“The Fargo Moorhead Ballet Company is dedicated to delivering the highest quality dance performances to the communities of Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo and beyond,” says Marketing and Design Director Lacey Gasper. “Our mission extends to providing valuable performance opportunities for FMBallet professional company dancers, local and regional guest artists, as well as area dancers aged 6 through adult, eliminating fees for participation in professional productions.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer: “Whether it is building a set or prop piece, ushering for a performance, or working our merchandise table, we have many opportunities to be a part of the FMBallet family,” says Gasper.

Dance. Any dancer 6+ can audition. All dance skill levels are welcome.

Buy a ticket for the Spring Ballet, Spooky Ballets in autumn and The Classic Nutcracker at Christmastime.

Fargo Public Library  

Website: https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/library  

“The Fargo Public Library serves as a vital center of knowledge and is an integral part of our vibrant community,” says Melisa Duncan, Community Relations Specialist. “A social and intellectual gathering place for everyone, the Fargo Public Library provides lifelong learning opportunities and library resources for all.”

Three ways to help:

Attend a free event or workshop.

Volunteer with Outreach Services. “Library volunteers deliver library materials and services to homebound individuals, and residents of congregate and nursing housing who are unable to come to the Fargo Public Library due to mental, physical, sensory or social disability,” explains Duncan. Contact Pam Strait at 701-241-8111 or email pstait@fargolibrary.org for details.

Try the Winter Reading Challenge. This engaging, all-ages contest runs January-March 2024

Red River Children's Advocacy Center

Website: www.rrcac.org 

(Our mission) is to facilitate healing and justice for victims of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” says Skyler Siegel, Communication and Events Coordinator. “And to engage the community to protect and support children.”

Three ways to help:

Give your time. Volunteers help at the center, craft blankets and organize the Kid Closet.

Donate goods, like blankets, toys, snacks and hygiene items.

Buy from the wish list to support the center’s most urgent needs. Find it at https://www.myregistry.com/organization/red-river-cac-fargo-nd/3469603/giftlist

Prairie Public

Website: https://www.prairiepublic.org/

“Prairie Public is our region's source for high quality non-commercial public television and radio,” says Communications Manager Marie Offutt. “But Prairie Public is much more than the station that provides PBS and NPR--it's a window on the world, it provides educational resources for educators, and is committed to respect for the individual, to lifelong learning, to civil discourse, and to our regional identity.

Three ways to help:

Gift a used vehicle (like cars, boats, RVs and motorcycles) to Prairie Public.

Become a member as an individual or business 

Share social media posts.

Hope Blooms    

Website:https://hopeblooms.org/

“Hope Blooms is a budding nonprofit that focuses the social and emotional well-being of some of our most vulnerable community members who feel forgotten through a beautiful but simple message of ‘you matter,’” says Founder Kelly Krenzel.

Three ways to help:

Donate flowersor mason jars (pint or half pint size).

Shop the Amazon Wishlist to fulfill pressing needs.https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/129T8RXIFIYRV

Volunteer as a group or individually. Team building opportunities are available.

YWCA    

Website: www.ywcacassclay.org

“YWCA Cass Clay offers 24-hour safe emergency shelter for those escaping domestic violence and homelessness,” Allison Pillar, Communications Manager. “Survivors face many challenges, often including full responsibility for a family. After YWCA Emergency Shelter, they will need a safe, affordable home for the long journey to heal and build financial stability.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer. A volunteer coordinator will match you with the right opportunity.

Nominate candidates for YWCA’s 51s annual Women of the Year event. Nominations open January 1.

Donate high need items, which are updated on the website. “Because our Emergency Shelter is a temporary home, we need whatever you need in your home: towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, medicine cabinet staples, and seasonal needs like warm caps and mittens,” Pillar explains.

North Dakota's Gateway to Science

Website:www.gatewaytoscience.org

“The mission of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science is to inspire the discovery of science through hands-on experiences,” says Dawn Gullingsrud, Visitor Services Director at the Bismarck museum. “Our staff educators deliver workshops and events for schools and communities across the state through the Gateway to Science on the Go outreach program. This program helps us meet students where they are with high quality, engaging STEM learning experiences.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer to help on-site. Teens and adults are welcome.

Donate classroom supplies.

Attend the Noon Years Eve Party on December 31. 2023 or the Winter Wonderland event on January 27 2024.

Rape and Abuse Crisis Center

Website:https://www.raccfm.com/

“Rape and Abuse Crisis Center (RACC) is the only crisis center in the FM metro and has served the community for more than 46 years,” says Developement Director Jody Hudson. “RACC is integral to our community’s response to violence. Through prevention education, supervised parenting and safe exchange, counseling, crisis intervention and offender programming, RACC is committed to transforming how our community addresses violence, prioritizing safety and well-being.”

Three ways to help:

Donate winter gear. Drop off at RACC weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop the Amazon Wish List to meet urgent needs.

http://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/164ZHV09R6ROJ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

Attend theFabulous Fashion and Friends Show on April 25, 2024 at the Avalon Event Center.

Farm Rescue

Website:www.farmrescue.org

“Farm Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm families during a major illness, injury or natural disaster,” says Dan Erdmann, Marketing Program Manager. “These services are currently available to families in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.”

Three ways to help:

Help a farmer in need. “Farm Rescue’s planting, haying, harvest, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance work is carried out by an extremely dedicated team of volunteers,” explains Erdmann.

Offer in-kind support, including equipment storage space, promotional opportunities or service sponsorships.

Volunteer to help with the capital campaign, the equipment fundraiser, or general projects.

The Salvation Army  

Website:https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/fargo-moorhead/  

“The Salvation Army mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination,” says Major Abe Tamayo.

Three ways to help:

Volunteer. The Salvation Army serves thousands of meals in the F-M and provides social service aid, so there are many opportunities.

Donate clothing. “Gloves, adult underwear, socks, blankets, backpacks, and hoodies are always in demand by those we serve, says Major Tamaya. Donate food.

Memory Café of the Red River Valley

Wedsite: memorycaferrv.org

“Funds donated to Memory Café primarily support our programming – music therapy, Montessori instruction, weekly exercise sessions from CrossFit Fargo, meaningful art programs, care partner education and weekly support groups, wood-burning projects, guest musicians and speakers, numerous educational resources, community service projects, monthly ‘Dine and Dance’ dances with live music, volunteer training and support – as well as coffee and refreshments, which are served at every gathering,” says Leeora Windingland, Assistant Executive Director and Program and Volunteer Manager.

Three ways to help:

Donate art supplies, baked goods, ink, office supplies and equipment, paper products, coffee, and weekly refreshments.

Purchase Memory Cafe merchandise on the website.

Volunteer. A range of hands-on opportunities area available.

Sanford Health Foundation

Website: https://www.sanfordhealthfoundation.org/

“Our aim is to provide the highest level of care, comfort, and healing to all the patients who come in Sanford’s door.” says Major Gifts Officer Tim Hillier. “Without philanthropy, you would still receive the best care possible from our medical staff. Philanthropy provides nurse navigators to help guide patients through their cancer journey, facilitated survivorship programming so that patients have an emotional and spiritual support group, care groups for the patient’s children and family so that their kids can learn about cancer in a safe environment, financial assistance with treatment-related travel costs, art and music therapy, and so much more.”

Three ways to help:

Volunteer. “We have volunteer opportunities ranging from knitters (making hats and blankets for our tiniest of patients) and popcorn makers, to veteran ambassadors and gift shop cashiers,” Hillier explains.

Create a fundraiser. Reach out via the website to get started.

Listen (and donate) to The Cares for Kids Radiothon. Hear it January 25-26, 2024, on Y94, Froggy 99.9 and KFGO.

Central Dakota Children’s Choir

Website:www.aboutcdcc.org

“Central Dakota Children’s Choir (CDCC) inspires children to a lifelong love of singing through the performance of fine choral music,” says Executive Director Tammy Rector. “With five choirs and over 300 singers, Central Dakota Children’s Choir gives children who love to sing a place to do just that. And they get to do it with like-minded peers under the guidance of award-winning choral educators whose overarching goal is to help each child achieve success.”

Three ways to help:

Donate office supplies, including copier paper, 11 x 17 poster paper, colored 8.5 x 11 paper, 1-inch, 3-ring binders in black, paper clips, and colored or manila file folders.

Volunteer. “Our program relies on parent and community volunteers to assist with everything from equipment transport and set up, to box office help, to snacks,” says Rector. “Anyone wishing to help may do so by calling the choir office at 258-6516 or emailing us at cdcc@aboutcdcc.org.”

Attend The Concordia Choir Concert featuring Cantus (a CDCC choir) on March 2, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck.

HeartSprings

Website: https://www.heartspringscenter.org/

“In a world increasingly dominated by quick fixes and a culture of dependency,

HeartSprings 2.0 emerges as a beacon of holistic healing and personal empowerment,” says Jan Nelson, Founder and Integrated Occupational Therapist. “This innovative wellness center is redefining what it means to approach health, not just as a series of physical symptoms to be treated, but as an interconnected journey of the body, soul, and spirit.”

Three ways to help:

Book a session. Purchasing a yoga or Tai chi workshop, neurological coaching or Ayurvedic consultation all benefit the organization.

Volunteer.

Donate tech. Current needs include a newer laptop, Microsoft Office software, a ring light and Meeting Owl.

West Fargo Area Education Foundation

Website: https://westfargofoundation.com/

“The West Fargo Area Education Foundation is the premier supporter of West Fargo Public Schools,” says Angela Ottesen, WFAED Board Member, First Vice President. “We supplement and support creative initiatives for students and staff.”

Three ways to help:

Donate clothing items, non-perishable food items, and feminine hygiene products for students.

Apply to be a board member. They assist with fundraising, event planning and program implementation.

Treat a teacher to coffee and snacks by donating breakroom treats.

ShareHouse

Website: https://sharehouse.org/

“The ShareHouse mission is simple and to the point – ‘recovery is possible,’” says CEO Jeremy Traen. “ShareHouse is the community leader in destroying the legacy of addiction.”

The first part of paving the way is to combat the stigma of addiction by acknowledging a better way of life for everyone who struggles. At ShareHouse, we make recovery possible by walking alongside each person on their journey by helping to develop an individualized map based on where the person’s recovery compass points. The ShareHouse team is always willing to start wherever the person is at.”

Three ways to help:

Donate new or gently used clothing.

Gather winter gear and blankets. Coordinate all drop-offs with Julie at jrivenes@sharehouse.org.

Become a board member. They help facilitate community connections, plan events, and work on programing and fundraising projects.

FARRMS

Website: https://www.farrms.org/

“FARRMS is a North Dakota nonprofit that offers farmer education and support, with a goal of creating more local food businesses and increasing local food access across the state,” says Shelby Hazel, Communications Coordinator. “We have helped hundreds of beginning farmers launch sustainable farm and food businesses across North Dakota.”

Three ways to help:

Buy from local farmers. “We encourage you to connect with them by purchasing their produce and goods and following them on social media,” says Hazel. “This contributes to the sustainable growth of our agricultural community.”

Join the Board of Directors. You can apply on the website.

Attend events. Sign up for the event newsletter athttps://bit.ly/farrms_news.

Hospice of the Red River Valley

Website: https://www.hrrv.org/

“Hospice of the Red River Valley is committed to providing the highest quality end-of-life care for you and your loved ones, “says Brenda Iverson, Director of Marketing & Community Relations. “Our devoted and compassionate staff prioritize the needs of patients and their families, ensuring we are upholding the goals and priorities of your loved ones through their end-of-life journey.”

Three ways to help:

Donate craft supplies, including crayons, fabric markers, yarn (red, white and blue), poly-fill stuffing for personalized celebration bears, children's beads and bracelet kits, mini chalkboards and chalk paint.

Provide games like large print word search puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards.

Volunteer: “Roles range from office assistance and patient care, to sewing celebration bears and supporting our thrift store, Heirlooms Thrift & Gift in Fargo,” says Iverson. “Please contact one of our volunteer coordinators at 800-237-4629.”

SENDCAA

Website: https://www.sendcaa.org/

“SENDCAA’s mission is ‘to provide a range of services and activities designed to alleviate poverty and give low-income people the opportunity to improve their standard of living and achieve self-sufficiency,’” says Self Sufficiency Coordinator/Deputy Director Sarah Hasbargen. “We’re here to provide hope and compassion through individualized services for our community members in need, ranging from our early childhood programs all the way to our seniors. We are here to assist our community to grow and prosper.

Three ways to help:

Donate new personal care items, including toilet paper, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, disinfecting wipes, paper products, dish soap, and unopened laundry detergent.

Become a substitute teacher for Head Start.

Gather cold weather items, like winter hats and gloves, and cozy bedding and sheet sets.