Fargo Gateway Lions Club donates to 15 local charities For Pre-Giving Hearts Day

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Fargo Gateway Lions kicked-off Giving Hearts Day festivities by presenting over $21,000 to 15 local charities. Over the years Giving Hearts Day has grown from a small operation to one where thousands and thousands of people get involved in the art of giving.

“10, 15 years ago it seemed like it was a small group of people. Small minority that was involved in giving and helping. And that voice has grown to I’m sure tens of thousands of people in this community, this area.” said Doug Dougherty, the president of the Lions Club.

The charities include the YWCA, Feed My Starving Children and Landon’s Light. The Ronald McDonald House received $5,000 from the Fargo Gate Lions Club, a gesture that means a lot to them.

“Being a part of Giving Hearts Day just helps us build a strong sense of community and helps us help families feel at home, find comfort, hospitality, healing and hope,” said Jakelle Hoffmann of the Ronald McDonald House. “This $5,000 really kicks off our Giving Hearts Day in a strong way and helps us serve over 800 families a year.”

All this giving is something that makes the Fargo Gateway Lions Club President proud of in the region.

“It’s just grown so greatly and it’s because people in Fargo really do care. Not just Fargo, in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We care and we’re willing to back up what we talk about.” said Dougherty.

Giving Hearts Day is set for February 8.