The International Day of Charity is recognized every year on September 5th to honor the spirit of generosity and encourage people around the world to give back to their communities. Charity doesn’t always mean writing a big check—it can be your time, your skills, your voice, or even a smile of encouragement.
Here in the West River area of South Dakota, we’re fortunate to have many incredible organizations working tirelessly to support families, children, and neighbors in need. This guide highlights local charities and simple ways you can get involved.
💖 Local Charities Making a Difference
There are approximately 151 nonprofit organizations in the West River area of South Dakota. These organizations span various sectors, including education, health, human services, and community development. However, it's important to note that this figure may not account for all nonprofits in the region, as some may not be registered or listed in publicly accessible databases.
Rapid City & West River
- Children’s Home Society
Supports families in crisis through shelter, counseling, advocacy, foster/adoption programs, and parent support.
👉 How to Help: Donate online, sponsor a family, or volunteer your time. - Western South Dakota Community Action Agency
Provides food assistance, emergency relief, childcare support, and energy assistance for low-income families.
👉 How to Help: Contribute food items, volunteer at pantries, or make a donation. - Fork Real Community Café (Rapid City)
A “pay-what-you-can” café that feeds families healthy meals and trains young adults with life and job skills.
👉 How to Help: Eat there to support their mission, volunteer in the kitchen, or donate to sponsor meals.
Spearfish & Northern Hills
- Northern Hills Sources of Support (SOS)
Connects individuals and families with local resources—covering needs like food, housing, and financial aid.
👉 How to Help: Share their resource directory, donate, or volunteer to help connect families.
🔗 northernhillssos.org - Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Spearfish/Belle Fourche
Offers emergency help with rent, utilities, clothing, and transportation.
👉 How to Help: Monetary donations go directly to supporting struggling families. - Artemis House
Serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence with safe shelter, counseling, and advocacy.
👉 How to Help: Donate household supplies, sponsor a family, or volunteer in awareness campaigns. - South Dakota Kids Belong
Works with foster care families, kids, and communities to ensure children in care are supported and loved.
👉 How to Help: Become a foster-friendly partner, support foster families, or donate.
✨ Easy Ways YOU Can Support on International Day of Charity
- Donate: Give money, supplies, or food—no amount is too small.
- Volunteer: Lend your time at local events, shelters, or resource centers.
- Advocate: Share about these charities on social media and spread awareness.
- Teach Kids to Give: Encourage children to pick out food for a pantry or donate a gently loved toy.
- Shop Local, Give Local: Support fundraising events or local businesses that give back.
💬 Final Thought
Charity begins with community—and here in the Black Hills and Northern Hills, we have so many opportunities to lift one another up. This International Day of Charity, consider choosing one of these organizations to support. Together, small acts of kindness add up to life-changing impact.
