A Helping Hand: Ways to Pay it Forward in Greater Grand Forks

Grand Forks is a city built on community. Whether it’s a friendly wave on the Greenway or a neighbor helping dig out your car after a snowstorm, kindness is just how we do things around here. But if you’re looking for a few intentional ways to give back, we’ve got you covered. From buying a coffee for a stranger to donating prom dresses, here are some simple (but impactful) ways to pay it forward in greater Grand Forks.

Next time you’re enjoying a burger or totchos at The Spud Jr., consider covering a meal for someone in need. Just ask your server, and they’ll take care of it. It’s an easy way to make sure everyone gets a warm meal—plus, spreading kindness always makes food taste better.

The Grand Forks Public Library is more than just a place for books—it’s a hub of generosity. Outside the front door, the #PeopleFirst Food Pantry, provided by Choice Bank, is available 24/7 for those in need. You can donate non-perishable food items inside Choice Bank at their dropbox. Additionally, the Care Catalog, located near the front desk, offers free hygiene products, menstrual care items, ponchos, and seasonal essentials—no questions asked.

That dress you wore once? It could mean the world to someone else. Sylvia’s Closet at Central High School collects prom dresses and hygiene products to help students in need, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to feel confident and celebrated.

Klaudia & Co. is a drop-off location for multiple meaningful causes. You can bring donations for Project Dignity, which collects clothes, hygiene products, and comfort items for individuals in crisis. Additionally, Addie’s Angels transforms donated wedding gowns into burial garments for infants lost too soon, providing grieving families with a small but deeply meaningful gift. These initiatives help bring dignity, care, and compassion to those who need it most.

Bully Brew on Columbia has supported pay-it-forward coffee initiatives in the past, often tied to special events, holidays, or promotions. Most recently, they hosted a Giving Hearts Day effort where customers could contribute to a gift card fund for veterans’ drinks. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to participate in their kindness-driven campaigns!

Giving back doesn’t always mean writing a check. Think about what you can offer—your time, your skills, or even just a listening ear. Organizations like Northland’s Rescue Mission, Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC), and Hospice of the Red River Valley always need volunteers, board members, and community advocates. Whether it’s serving meals, mentoring youth, or sharing your expertise, there’s a place for everyone to make an impact.

The best part about paying it forward? It creates a ripple effect. A small act of generosity can inspire someone else to do the same, making Greater Grand Forks an even stronger, more compassionate community.