Letters to the Editor | December 23rd, 2019
To the editor:
The holiday season is one of the very best times of the year to energize your spirit of generosity, thanksgiving and giving back. For the countless nonprofits serving our community, it is also a critical time of year for their financial stability.
The phrase “any amount will help” is certainly used a great deal throughout the year, but when it comes to gifts during the holiday season, it is so unbelievably true.
According to a new study from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, since 2000 there has been a 13 percent reduction in the number of individuals giving nationwide. That’s 20 million fewer individuals who give to nonprofits. And as blessed as we are in this region with generous and wonderful giving people, this collapse of small and medium-sized donors is a worry that organizations of all sizes have.
However, I’ve seen the resilience of this community and organizations that have amazing effect in this region. I know that when there are needs, we step up to help. This year, please consider giving to the deserving and hardworking groups that make up our incredible nonprofit community.
I’m sure your mailbox has been inundated with letters from organizations of all sizes and various causes. And though the needs may be great, your ability to help lessen the burden of those groups is even greater.
These nonprofits are doing work the government can’t, won’t or shouldn’t do – and it is up to us, the community at large, to help them.
That $10 donation, or two hours spent volunteering means a ton. Nonprofits appreciate your gifts, regardless of size, as your enthusiasm towards the cause is valued nearly as much as your financial contribution.
Your generosity to a nonprofit means that their message is being heard or that their cause is resonating with the public. And they are so excited to build relationships with every one of you.
Give generously! Give a gift of any size! Give without restrictions!
And give because it makes you feel awesome helping this wonderful community and those the nonprofits serve!
Patrick Kirby, Fargo
[Editor’s note: Patrick Kirby is the author of Fundraise Awesomer! A Practical Guide to Staying Sane While Doing Good, and the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting in West Fargo.]
January 24th 2026
December 18th 2025
August 19th 2025
June 19th 2025
June 2nd 2025
_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)__293px-wide.jpg)
_(1)__293px-wide.png)
_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)__293px-wide.jpg)
_(1)__293px-wide.jpg)
By Bryce Vincent Haugen By his own account, Edwin Chinchilla is lucky to still be in the United States. As a 12-year-old Salvadoran, he and his brother were packed into a semi with a couple dozen other people and given fake…
By Michael M. Miller Rev. Salomon Joachim, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Beulah, North Dakota., delivered an address to the Western Conference of the Dakota District of the American Lutheran Church in 1939. His presentation was…
February 21, 6-8 p.m.Turtle River State Park, Arvilla, NDEnjoy a self-guided hike in the picturesque woods of Turtle River State Park. The trails will be lit with luminary candles. After the hike, warm those bones by the fire at…
By Sabrina HornungThe quote, "The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command” from George Orwell’s iconic novel “1984” has come up in conversation more times than…
By Ed Raymond‘Dakota Attitude’ should be read by all North Dakota studentsI have been meaning to write about this book by James Puppe for several years, but the world has been in such a mess I thought I should write about …
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…
Friday, March 13, 4-10 p.m.Brewhalla, Fargo, 1702 1st Ave. N., FargoPolish up those dancing shoes and come hungry for this ticketed event you won’t want to miss. Expect unlimited samples paired with wine and beer from 20+…
Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.Fargo Theatre, 314 N. BroadwayFM Opera’s Artistic Director and tenor Joshua Kohl will be sharing the stage with internationally-renowned tenors Anthony Ciaramitaro and Luke Norvell to perform a variety…
By Greg Carlson The great documentary filmmaker Laura Poitras had to work diligently to convince Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh to be the subject of one of her films. Most accounts and reviews of “Cover-Up,”…
Saturday, March 7, 4-8 p.m.Swing Barrel Brewing, 814 Central Ave., MoorheadEmpty Bowls is a nationwide, grassroots, artist-led movement to support hunger related organizations in their communities. On March 7, prepare to fill your…
Saturday, January 31, 6:30-9 p.m.Transfiguration Fitness, 764 34th St. N., Unit P, FargoAn enchanting evening celebrating movement and creativity in a staff-student showcase. This is a family-friendly event showcasing pole, aerial…
By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…
By Ellie Liverani In January 2026, the 2026-2030 dietary guidelines for Americans were released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are supposed to be revolutionary and a “reset” from the previous ones.…
January 31, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead2026 marks 10 years of frosty fun! Enjoy sauna sessions with Log the Sauna, try Snowga (yoga in the snow), take a guided snowshoe nature hike, listen to live…
By Vern Thompson Benjamin Franklin offered one of the most sobering warnings in American history. When asked what kind of government the framers had created in 1787, he replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Few words…