Big Hearts

How Local Giving Transforms Our Community

February is often associated with grand romantic gestures, but this month, I am celebrating a different kind of love; the expansive, selfless love that fuels our community’s most vital charitable organizations.

Did you know there are 110 Non-profit organizations listed in the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce directory?  I continued my research by asking Chat GPT how many such organizations were in Northwest Iowa, with a response that there is an estimate of 1000-2000 501(C) 3 registered non-profits. 

These organizations include everything from large hospitals and universities down to small local historical societies or environmental groups run by a few volunteers.

Although many non-profits are gifted a portion of their funds from corporations and government grants, these charitable causes stay afloat from the generous donations of community members. Without the support of you, your friends, neighbors and acquaintances, food shortages, education programs, shelter needs and so many more would not be able to help those in need. 

Fortunately, here in Siouxland, we have BIG Hearts and Generous Spirits. One of the oldest organizations in our area is The Junior League of Sioux City. 

Dating back to 1920, this organization of volunteer women has been helping to create a better world for over 100 years. The focus of this organization is the needs of women and children and to empower leadership and volunteers. 

JLSC has touched many of our landmarks such as the Pierce Street Mansion, Sioux City Public Library,  Sioux City Art Center and The Children’s Museum, just to name a few. 

Most notable is the Mildred Anderson Endowment and the William Johnson fund that has given yearly to our community needs through grants. To date well over over $100,000 have been given back to local non-profits for the welfare of our women and children programs. 

But it is not only about the money, it the giving of time. Volunteer support in our community and in any organization is imperative to make ‘it’ happen. Without those who willingly give up a Saturday afternoon to make beds for kids or serve at the soup kitchen, the impact would be impossible. 

There is not enough room in this article to recognize the 2000 (maybe more) organizations, nor the volunteers whose helping hands make our community the wonderful place that it is. 

To those who donate, give your time and give your talents, I am sending all of you a BIG THANK YOU.  Your BIG hearts make Siouxland a better place for all. 

To learn more about JLSC: 

http://juniorleagueofsiouxcity.com/ 

Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Directory: 

https://directory.siouxlandchamber.com/list/category/non-profit-organizations-2126