Aug. 31, 2021

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

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its 2021 Excellence in Education Initiative grants. Now in its 30th year, the initiative offers grants to teachers who have innovative ideas for classroom projects. Since the program began, hundreds of programs and activities designed by teachers throughout the Sioux Falls area have received grant funding, enriching educational experiences for students. Applications can be submitted online at sfacf.org by Sept. 30.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Black Hills Federal Credit Union branches collected donations from members, communities and businesses to gather school supplies as part of its 25th annual drive. Funds also are raised through a caramel roll sale and staff silent auction. Additionally, the annual Bus-to-Business event gave businesses and organizations the opportunity to contribute to the drive by helping fill a school bus with supplies. More than 100,000 items were donated to more than 70 schools in South Dakota, including Lowell Elementary in Sioux Falls. Educators then donate the supplies to students as they are needed.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee KidsFit has launched a free yearlong program for schools to promote health, fitness and nutrition. The Hy-Vee KidsFit School Wellness Club features lesson plans, activities, resources, giveaways for students and more. Club members also can participate in three special challenges throughout the school year for the chance to earn prizes. The challenges include a wellness week, squat challenge and fitness showdown. School administrators can enroll an individual school or a full district into the program at hyveekidsfit.com through Oct. 11. Parents can visit the website and register their child for a Hy-Vee KidsFit Kids Club membership for free access to at-home activities, physical challenges, recipes, rewards and more.

Hy-Vee Inc. will provide free biometric screenings throughout its eight-state region during National Cholesterol Education Month in September. Hy-Vee dietitians will offer 1,000 free biometric screenings to customers at more than 40 Hy-Vee store locations, including the Sioux Falls store on Minnesota Avenue. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last by registering by clicking here. Smart Chicken and Birdseye are helping make the screenings possible. Each person who receives a screening will be given a Heart Health giveaway bag that includes samples, coupons and educational materials.