Levo Helps Raise $20K for Kids

This credit union teamed up with the Sioux Falls Storm to help kids in need by providing a generous donation to Operation Hope and Caring. 

​Almost half of Sioux Falls students need help affording things many of us take for granted, like school lunch. This means they might not have money for school supplies, winter boots, field trips, or washing their clothes. 
 
But Levo Credit Union and the Sioux Falls Storm teamed up this year to do something about it. Operation Hope and Caring raises funds for schools with a large percentage of kids who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Principals from Sioux Falls’ Title 1 schools can use the fund for areas of need, such as winter gear closets, field trip fees, and sock/underwear drawers. This year’s effort raised $20,000! 

“Our community is amazing,” says Jen McKeown, VP of Marketing and Business Development for Levo. “From a fun day at Air Madness to buying t-shirts, jerseys and coffee to attending the Sioux Falls Storm game, they were wonderfully dedicated to helping kids in need.”
 
This year, the Sioux Falls Storm added a fundraiser auctioning off specially-designed Star Wars jerseys, which raised an additional $3,700 for the cause.
 
"We were incredibly excited to bring the magic of Star Wars to our fans while supporting Operation Hope & Caring," said J.J Hartigan, Director of Media Relations and Community Outreach for the Sioux Falls Storm. "It's more than just a game; it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in our community."
 
Operation Hope and Caring funds have been used to help subsidize field trips, fund underwear and sock closets, washers to wash kids’ clothes, and outfit kids for winter. This year Levo also collected 20+ gallons of laundry detergent for the washers previously purchased. One principal says the funds were a great help to her students.
 
“That generous donation went to fund brand new coats, gloves, snow pants and boots for kids. Your donations really do benefit our kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” – Stacy Stefani, Principal at Cleveland Elementary School
 
Since 2017, Operation Hope and Caring has provided over $109,000 in assistance to the Sioux Falls Schools.
 
“This fundraiser is something we look forward to every year because we believe in giving back to our community,” says McKeown. “And what better way to give back than to provide basics for kids in need? We don’t think any student should have to go without things like winter boots, school supplies, or washing their clothes.”
 
Donations are accepted all year round to Operation Hope and Caring at HopeAndCaring.org
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