Feb. 27, 2026

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

Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

The Downtown Gives campaign led by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. raised $8,630 for Emily’s Hope. The money came from sales of the Downtown Gives coupon book, sponsored by First Interstate Bank, and will support the organization’s work to increase access to treatment and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

Sanford Health

Sanford Health has pledged $2 million to support Children’s Home Society’s new Rapid City campus. This gift will expand access to trauma-informed care by supporting CHS’ residential treatment program, which provides care for children age 4 to 14 who have experienced abuse, trauma or emotional and behavioral challenges. Construction is underway on the new campus, which will bring all CHS programs and services under one roof.

First National Bank/First Savings Bank

First National Bank has committed a $275,000 Community Leader Challenge donation to help launch the Buffalo Legacy Campaign, a community-wide initiative focused on investing in the future of the Stanley County School District. This challenge donation will match every dollar contributed to the campaign, doubling the impact of community support and accelerating progress toward critical facility improvements across the district. The first phase of the campaign aims to raise $2.5 million to support district-wide improvements, including ADA accessibility enhancements, preparation for air conditioning through new windows and doors, building updates and long-term investments that support educational excellence for students throughout the district. First National Bank is part of First Savings Bank, which was founded in 1913 in Beresford and also has a branch in Sioux Falls. The banks operate in 11 states.

Levo Credit Union

Levo Credit Union has awarded $500 each to eight teachers in its service area as part of its annual Adopt-A-Classroom program. The teachers were nominated by parents, students or community members as having made a huge impact on kids. Recipients in the Sioux Falls area are Katie Blunck, Discovery Elementary; Nicole Fette, Roosevelt High School; Ryan Kruse, Axtell Park Middle School; MaryGail Monahan, Jefferson High School; and Jayna Silvernail, Robert Bennis Elementary. Since the program’s inception in 2014, Levo has given more than $46,000 in classroom awards to teachers.

Prairie Farms Dairy/Hiland Dairy Foods

Prairie Farms Dairy and Hiland Dairy Foods have reached their $100,000 donation goal in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, reinforcing a shared commitment to funding childhood cancer research and supporting families affected by the disease. The money was raised through the sales of Prairie Farms and Hiland lemonade products. The two cooperatives also plan to continue supporting ALSF through a long-term partnership.

Sammons Financial Group

In 2025, Sammons Financial Group donated $1.1 million in charitable support to Sioux Falls-area organizations, and employees contributed almost 4,000 volunteer hours. Supported organizations include the Sioux Empire United Way, Active Generations, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, Great Plains Zoo, Junior Achievement and other Community Impact Challenge partners. The total corporate impact across all Sammons locations was $4.6 million and more than 11,000 volunteer hours.