Grateful for the Giving Season

As the days grow shorter and snow is soon on the way, we wanted to pause to acknowledge the residents of Montana's Yellowstone Country.

It's easy to fall in love with the region as a place — the mountains, rivers, and prairies that draw us here — but equally impressive are the people. Montanans are hard-working, no-nonsense, and a whole lot of fun. They aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and help wherever needed, and they (generally) do it with a smile. 😉

They are generous and genuine.

During this season of giving, we are grateful to be part of communities across the region that are going the extra mile to help their friends and neighbors.



Here in the Gallatin Valley, there are numerous ways to contribute. Operation Holiday is a kid-driven, grassroots operation that began in a garage with a wish list for 300 kids and has now grown into a full-scale operation with hundreds of volunteers, including kids from both local high schools and Montana State University. In addition to providing gifts, warm clothing and essential items, part of the organization's goal is to encourage kids to help kids.

In Livingston, the Food Resource Center is in need of protein. Matt's Meats has graciously offered to process meat donated from the local hunting harvest and then contribute it to the Center. Wood's Rose Market is hosting a food drive through Thanksgiving, and donations can also be made through the Yellowstone Community Fund. Dan Bailey's Cold Snap Film Festival is Nov. 20-21, with proceeds going to Loaves and Fishes.

In Big Timber, the Sweet Grass Community Foundation raised nearly $250,000 in its "Give Where You Live" campaign, which will help fund twenty local non-profit organizations, including the after-school club, the library, the senior center, the mental health center, and the search and rescue team. The program is renowned for instilling a sense of community, and it is doing a stellar job of it.

Finally, through the end of November, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is hosting its "Be a Friend in Deed, Help Those in Need" campaign across all of Montana, which helps raise funds for Montana's food banks. When you stop by one of their convenience stores or other locations and make a donation to the local food bank, Town Pump will match it dollar for dollar.

If you are celebrating the holidays in Red Lodge or Bozeman, the annual Turkey Trot and Huffing for Stuffing fun runs take place on Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds go to the respective food banks, and I must say, it's a great way to start the day!



For more ways to help, donate to one of our local food banks this season!

Gallatin Valley Food Bank

Gardiner food pantry

Manhattan-Meals for Manhattan

Three Forks-Headwaters Area Food Bank

Big Sky Community Food Bank

West Yellowstone Food Bank

Big Timber Community Food Bank

Livingston Food Resource Center

Red Lodge- BareTooth Cupboards

Project Hope, Columbus Community Foundation

Absarokee Area Food Bank