Giving Season in Grand Forks: 5 Ways to Give Back This Fall

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything we are grateful for, and to me, there is no better way to spread warmth in our hearts than helping each other and giving back to the community around us. From caring for animals to helping to fight hunger, there are many ways to give back in the Greater Grand Forks area. If you are looking for a meaningful way to spend an afternoon off, here are a couple examples!

If you have a loving heart for furry friends, spending some time at an animal shelter is a great way to give back. Circle of Friends Animal Shelter and Journey Homes Animal Rescue are the two beloved animal shelters local to Grand Forks. Animal shelters provide safe housing, food, medical care, and adoption services for animals in need, and volunteers are a vital part in animal shelters, as volunteers can help taking care of animals, providing enrichment activities, fostering, and more. Contact the shelters on their websites to ask about current volunteering opportunities. Also check out their websites for the most updated “Needed List”, in case you can’t be there in person but still want to support!

Food insecurity affects people from many walks of life. To assist with food insecurity, food banks and food pantries provide emergency food assistance that help individuals and families access nutritious food when money is tight. In Grand Forks, there are several different food banks available: St. Joseph’s Social Care, HOPE Cares, Salvation Army, and the North Country Food Bank on the East Grand Forks side. Each of the food pantries have a different schedule, so there is something around the week for everyone who needs assistance and who wants to volunteer. In a normal shift, volunteers would help to collect, sort, pack, and distribute groceries to people. Even a few hours spent packing groceries or organizing a food drive can help local organizations serve more households. Contact each pantry to confirm its current volunteer schedule and donation needs.

The Global Friends Coalition works to help immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers feel welcome and connected in the Greater Grand Forks community. Its programs are focused on assisting immigrants in settling in Grand Forks and in America as a whole, from providing help with housing and furniture, to grocery runs, family mentors and English tutors. Volunteering with Global Friends Coalition is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, encourage educational success, and help make Grand Forks a more welcoming community. Global Friends Coalition’s mission stays near and dear to my heart, not being a Grand Forks native, and while I did not know about them when I first moved here, I can see how helpful it would have been to have a helping hand and welcoming community when you first settle into a new home! Check out their website for program needs, volunteering information and more.

Nonprofit organizations such as United Way, Northland Rescue Mission, and Salvation Army help the local community meet their basic needs such as safe housing and adequate food. Whether you donate money, supplies, your time, or attend a fundraising event, your contribution can help address pressing needs in the community. Here are a few of the local programs – reach out to them on their website for current volunteering and donating needs.  

United Way works with community partners to address local needs and improve opportunities for individuals and families. The national non-profit organization provides ways for community members to contribute through donations, volunteering, and local initiatives. Their biggest programs are Families First, Kidz Closet, Backpack Buddies, Food Pantry and Winter Wishlist. United Way loves to see volunteers helping pack backpacks, organizing food pantries or clean up Kidz Closet! 

Northlands Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, food assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or food insecurity. Community volunteers and donations help sustain these essential services. You can sign up to help with a special event or with daily activities on the Mission’s website.

The Salvation Army is a community-focused organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in need by providing essential resources and support. Their services include food assistance, emergency rent and utility assistance, seasonal holiday programs, family and youth services, and disaster relief. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, including volunteering at community events, helping with food distribution, and assisting with seasonal programs. Don’t forget about their signature Christmas campaign – you and your organization can volunteer to be bell ringers and help make a difference!

The Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing domestic and sexual violence and helping survivors find safety, healing, and support. Their work includes crisis intervention, advocacy, education, and prevention programs. Supporting CVIC helps strengthen services for survivors and contributes to a safer community. Volunteers and donors can make a difference while respecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of the people receiving assistance. Volunteers can help with donation drives for household essentials, participate in Green Dot initiatives, or assist with other special projects. Reach out to CVIC and make your impact towards a safer community! 

These are only a couple examples of nonprofit organizations in Grand Forks. There are so many other organizations working for a better cause, so I am sure you will find one that fits your calling. I invite you to open your heart this Fall, spend a couple hours helping fellow community members and give back to the community, because isn’t that what the Thanksgiving season is all about?