Nov. 29, 2019

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

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has awarded almost $10,000 in grants to 12 teachers in local public and private schools through its Excellence in Education initiative. Now in its 28th year, the initiative offers grants to teachers who have innovative ideas for classroom projects.

Casey’s General Store

Casey’s General Store hosted a round-up promotion Nov. 1-15 to raise money and awareness for Hope for the Warriors. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and their families. In the past eight years Casey’s has raised more than $4 million to support programs that focus on clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation, and transition services.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee Inc. provided free hemoglobin A1C screenings this month as part of National Diabetes Month. All seven Sioux Falls stores were part of the Hy-Vee Healthy You Mobile tours.

Hy-Vee Inc. teamed up with customers in November across its eight-state region to raise $227,750 for programs that support veterans, active-duty military members and their families. Customers rounded up their purchases Nov. 1-17 as part of the annual Homefront Round Up event, donating $127,750. Hy-Vee matched customer donations up to $100,000, with all proceeds benefiting Hope for the Warriors, Operation First Response and the American Red Cross.

On Veterans Day, Hy-Vee stores served more than 85,000 free breakfasts to veterans and active-duty military members. Hy-Vee and Hallmark also provided 100,000 cards so customers could write notes of appreciation to service men and women. In cooperation with A Million Thanks, the cards will be sent to U.S. military members stationed across the world.

Hy-Vee/Pipestone

Hy-Vee Inc. is partnering with Pipestone for its third annual Give a Helping Ham campaign. For every ham bought at the seven Hy-Vee stores in Sioux Falls Nov. 18-27, the veterinary service and pig management company will donate a pound of pork loin to Feeding South Dakota.

Mary Chilton DAR Foundation

The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation has awarded five grants totaling $26,040 in its third and final distribution period for the year. The largest grant for $15,000 went to Patriots Plaza, a tribute area to honor veterans that will be built on the USD campus. The foundation is affiliated with the Mary Chilton Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, or NSDAR. It also gave grants to American Legion Post 170 in Herreid, Black Hills Chapter, NSDAR; Sioux Falls Veterans Affairs Health Care System; and West River History Conference. The next deadline for grant applications is Jan. 5. Information is available at DAR-MaryChiltonFoundation.org.

Miner Brewing Co. and Prairie Berry Winery Taproom

The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House will benefit from a donation drive in December at Miner Brewing Co. and Prairie Berry Winery Taproom. Customers who drop off supplies at the taproom will receive a free beer cocktail. The drinks will change throughout the month, starting with a pour of Miner’s Winter Warmer topped with a toasted marshmallow. The homeless shelter’s wish list includes toiletry items, food, gift cards and other necessities.

Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary

Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary will donate 10 percent of sales on Black Friday to The Promising Future’s Fund, which works to reduce the poverty disadvantage experienced by children in 14 Sioux Falls schools.