WE NEED you THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

you can feel it. The crispness of the air, the twinkling of lights, the smell of baked goods aplenty, the hustle and bustle of plans unfolding — the holidays are near. ‘Tis the season of gathering (maybe virtually this year), gratitude, and glee. But perhaps most importantly, ‘tis the season of giving.

As we look into the holiday season and the new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the things we are grateful for and let that gratitude help guide us in how and where to give back. Now more than ever before, charities and people in our community need our help. And now more than ever before, we are looking for ways to feel togetherness, purpose and joy. Helping others solves both.

What if I told you there was a vitamin that increases happiness, increases sense of purpose, helps you live longer, improves heart health, and lowers stress, depression and anxiety … would you take it? That vitamin happens to be called giving.

So how can you experience the benefits and joy of being a Giving Heart?

Giving Hearts Day season has kicked off, with 500 North Dakota and northwest Minnesota charities hard at work and needing our help. We’re inviting you to join this 24-hour “friendraising” event on February 11, 2021. This year, we are thrilled to include Giving Hearts who pledge their time to volunteer, in addition to those who give a financial gift.

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Give the gift of giving

W VOLUNTEER

Easily find volunteering opportunities

W PRE-GIVE

Save the date! Make donations to charities between Jan 5 – Feb 11 (100% of your donation goes directly to the charity, dollars stay local, and charity matching dollars are available).

Amber DeKrey is the director of Giving Hearts Day at Dakota Medical Foundation. She is passionate about helping others find meaning and purpose through acts of kindness, service, and giving back to the community. Amber, her husband Brent, and their two girls live in Fargo. They love spending time outdoors and playing family games. Check out GivingHeartsDay.org for ways to get yourself, your family, or your organization involved.

We need people, families, service clubs, businesses, churches and our youth. We need you. This Giving Hearts Day season, let’s create a movement and rally a tremendous community of helpers together.

Local women share why they choose to be a giving heart!

HEATHER MITCHELL w

“I first became involved with Diamond in the Ruff a few years ago through a friend. I was searching for something in my life; I felt a void. Volunteering helped fill that void. I am so proud to volunteer. Volunteering enriches my life in a way I didn’t think was possible. I am so happy seeing a once timid and scared dog thrive in her foster home and become a great pet for a new family.”

Local women share why they choose to

ALEXANDRA REBER w Jeremiah Program Volunteer

As a graduate of the Jeremiah Program, Alex knows firsthand how much volunteers mean to those being served.

“I help the Jeremiah Program because it is a meaningful way to give back and have it stay in the Fargo-Moorhead community. This program has given my son and I so much. When I volunteer, I go in with the mindset of not what I can gain but how can I serve others. The moms, children and staff greatly appreciate what all the volunteers do for the Jeremiah Program. Whether it's serving a meal before empowerment or life skills courses, helping to provide childcare, or tutoring moms, it’s very impactful.”

AMBER BLOMBERG + BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ND w Hope Blooms Volunteers

“Hope Blooms’ mission is to inspire hope, happiness and emotional healing through repurposed flowers. Not only does their mission impact individuals in need in the community that receive their bouquets, but it makes such a positive impact on our BCBSND volunteers that help assemble and deliver the bouquets. It’s such a great cause, a rewarding experience, and brightens up everyone’s day who is involved. These small acts of kindness change our lives as volunteers knowing we are providing a beautiful source of hope and comfort to others.”

PHYLLIS CROWE w Emergency Food Pantry Volunteer

"I have the desire to help wherever I can, and want to stay active in the community." Phyllis believes the Food Pantry is essential to our community "to help those who need help by putting food on the table for families in need."

Phyllis has been a volunteer for the Food Pantry for 15 years.

Anne Carlsen Center

We hope that you will join in and make a gift to Anne Carlsen on February 11, 2021 for this year’s Giving Hearts Day! You’re donation DOUBLES with our match! Send a check dated February 11, 2021 or make your secure gift online on February 11, 2021 and please choose the Anne Carlsen Center! app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/14

Who will you nominate?

Support these local charities on Giving Hearts Day, and all year long!

Christian Adoption Services

Founded in 1985, Christian Adoption Services (CAS) is a non-profit child-placing agency licensed in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota. Formerly known as Christian Family Life Services, we have a strong history of serving clients across the two-state region. Our mission is to display God's love to children, birth parents and families by providing Christ-centered adoption services that have an eternal impact by growing forever families.

We believe that every life is precious and unrepeatable. When birth parents choose to place their child for adoption, their loving sacrifice can be an answer to prayer for a couple wanting to build their family through adoption. CAS is committed to providing quality services both for families considering adopting and expectant parents exploring their options, seeking non-judgmental education and support.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/7

First Link

Connected in Crisis. Even in crisis, from floods to the COVID-19 pandemic, FirstLink is here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your donation this Giving Hearts Day will help provide hope, healing and lifesaving resources as we continue to navigate these uncertain times together.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/256

Friends Of The Children

The cycle of generational poverty can be broken. You can help us break that cycle.

We select children facing the greatest challenges, including those impacted by homelessness and foster care, and help them change their stories. Each child is matched with a salaried, professional mentor (called a Friend) for their entire childhood, from kindergarten through graduation. 12+ years. No matter what.

Donate today and help change a child’s story.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/1139

Heart Of Clay

Heart of Clay, Correctional Ministry in Clay County, seeks to impact the lives of men and women in the correctional facility through Christ-centered programming. Following release from incarceration or treatment, safe and sober living environments are provided through Crossing Homes. Volunteers walk along side individuals as they transition into the community.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/966

HERO: Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization

HERO exists so no individual goes without the medical products needed to preserve their independence, dignity and health. HERO provides affordable healthcare equipment and supplies for all through the collection and distribution of donated materials. Since 1996, HERO has saved 1.7 million pounds of waste from local landfills, served 43,000 individuals, waived $742,737 in fees and served 755 global missions.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/29

Hospice Of The Red River Valley

“Everyone deserves quality of life and dignity, especially during the last months of life. Hospice care helps people live comfortably by managing pain and symptoms, but it also means much more. For 40 years, Hospice of the Red River Valley’s has helped people live well in the time they have left, creating more meaningful moments. We support the hopes and priorities of those under our care by helping them achieve what means the most to them. It could be meeting a new grandchild, going fishing with family or simply staying in the place they raised their families and called home. Every moment matters. People need our expert support more than ever; we are on the front lines of providing care during life’s most tender time. We are committed to caring for our patients, no matter the circumstances. Your donation on Giving Hearts Day provides needed comfort, care and connection.”

— Bonnie Oelschlager, Marketing and Communications Manager app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/99

We get involved and use our time, talent and resources to make a difference where we live and work because we all benefit from thriving organizations.

FLINT-GROUP.COM

Homeward Animal Shelter

Homeward Animal Shelter is a local and community-funded, non-profit animal shelter. Our mission is: “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.” We provide a second chance at happiness to lost, abandoned and ownersurrendered cats and dogs.

We’ll bring you and your new best friend together.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/277

Jail Chaplains

Jail Chaplains offers hope to men and women struggling with life-controlling problems. We model healthy relationships while sharing life skills from a biblical perspective, equipping them for a life of freedom through Christ.

You can be a partner in this life-changing work by making a donation.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/293

Ywca

Change lives with your gift to YWCA this Giving Hearts Day. Afraid and alone, women and children arrive every night at YWCA Emergency Shelter. With your help, we provide safety and services to recover physically, emotionally and financially. Your gift of $44 provides the first night of safety and hope.

app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/85

Life is complicated.

Approximately 3 million women face unexpected pregnancies every year in the U.S.

FIND MORE LOCAL CHARITIES and ways to get involved at givingheartsday.org.

Partner with us this Giving Hearts Day, as we reach out to women and girls in our area who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and offer them hope. Your support allows us to provide non-judgmental, decision-making mentoring, that includes adoption education, and other life-affirming supports.

701.237.4473 christianadoptionservices.org