The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to your community. Whether by donating gently used items, volunteering your time, or pledging a certain amount to a good cause, there are plenty of ways to spread holiday cheer! We’ve highlighted a few resources and local organizations to jumpstart your holiday giving.
How to Get Started
Not sure where to start? Websites like Charity Navigator and GreatNonprofits evaluate and rate nonprofit organizations, helping families and individuals make informed decisions about charitable giving. You can search for organizations by location and category.
The Helpline Center keeps an updated list of volunteer opportunities in the Black Hills. Helpline matches volunteers with projects that match their interests, location, and schedule.
Why You Should Give Back
Volunteering is a simple way to bond as a family and spend quality time together.
And the best part about giving back? Volunteering boosts your mood, decreases stress and anxiety, and improves your health.
Many organizations in the Black Hills depend on donations to run programs, events, and charitable outreach. Giving a donation or volunteering to fundraise is a great way to contribute to your community and network with like-minded individuals.
Local Organizations to Support
Front Porch Coalition runs suicide prevention programs, including suicide support groups, educational classes, and mental health awareness events. As a nonprofit, the Coalition relies solely on grants and donations. Consider making a donation or supporting their efforts by attending a suicide awareness event.
Dress for Success helps women attain financial independence by providing mentoring services, professional attire, and employment retention programs. Volunteers can help by running the boutique, organizing a suit drive, and more.
Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity runs Rapid City ReStore and Spearfish ReStore, which sells donated items to raise money for the building of Habitat homes in the Black Hills. Support their programs by volunteering for a construction or administrative project, retail position, or committee.
The Club for Boys provides a safe, supportive environment for boys in the Rapid City community. The organization has impacted the lives of 40,000 young men since its inception in 1963. Get involved by volunteering as a small group instructor, activity assistant, mentor, or tutor.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Black Hills runs clubs in Hill City, Hot Springs, and Lead-Deadwood, aiming to help young people develop healthy habits, social and interpersonal skills, creativity, and an appreciation for our national heritage. Families can get involved by volunteering to lead a program or sponsoring an activity.
Literacy Council of the Black Hills is a volunteer-run organization offering introductory and conversational English classes for non-native speakers. Consider signing up as a tutor or making a donation.
Please note, this is not an all-inclusive list. To find more amazing charities and nonprofits in the Black Hills, check out the Volunteer Connections page at Helpline 2-1-1.