Operation Hope & Caring Raises $20,000

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, the Sioux Falls Storm, and KELOLAND Television teamed up this year for Operation Hope and Caring, which raises funds for schools with a large percentage of kids who qualify for free and reduced lunch. 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. KELOLAND Television donated thousands of dollars in airtime to promote the Storm game, which ended with the Storm winning over Green Bay to add to the excitement.

"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.

“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 Jen McKeown, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Levo. “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.