Operation Hope and Caring Awarded $34,502

Levo Credit Union®, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), Air Madness, and KELOLAND TV are pleased to announce that the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation will receive a $34,502.50 donation from Operation Hope and Caring.

Levo was able to apply for a matching donation from FHLB Des Moines' Member Impact Fund to multiply Levo's gift as part of Operation Hope and Caring. Air Madness, Levo, and KELO also hosted a fundraiser for the cause in February.

Operation Hope and Caring supplies funding for projects in Title I schools, where a large percentage of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Since 2017, Operation Hope and Caring has provided more than $162,500 in assistance to the Sioux Falls Public Schools. These funds have been used to pay for things like winter gear, tennis shoes, playground equipment, field trip lunches, and washing machines to allow students to feel clean and comfortable during the school day while also maintaining their dignity. 

“Operation Hope and Caring is a wonderful tradition because we all believe in giving back to our community,” says Jen McKeown, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Levo. “And what better way to give back than to provide basics for kids in need? We don’t think any student should have to go without things like winter boots, school supplies, or washing their clothes.”

Levo also offered Perky Coffee and Levo mugs for donations to the fund, as well as collecting laundry detergent for the schools to use when washing kids’ clothing.

“Operation Hope and Caring partners make a significant impact on thousands of students each year, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support. Levo selflessly leads the charge and rallies their members and other partners to join them in meeting the basic needs of students who would otherwise go without winter gear, clean clothes, and fun field trip experiences. This partnership serves as a shining example of what is possible when schools and businesses work together to care for their own,” says Dr. Jamie Nold, Sioux Falls Superintendent.

This year, Operation Hope and Caring benefitted from a matching grant opportunity offered to Levo by FHLB Des Moines called the Member Impact Fund. FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion the organizations that make a real difference in their communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “By partnering with our members, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.”

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to serve affordable housing or community development needs, including job training, affordable housing, financial literacy, food banks, and youth programs. This member matching grant program is part of FHLB Des Moines’ ongoing mission to offer a variety of funding options through its members.

Since its launch in 2023, the Member Impact Fund has provided more than $83 million in grants from FHLB Des Moines, generating over $113 million in combined support for affordable housing and community development. Notably, every eligible application submitted to the program has received funding—reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to partnership and impact.

Levo has donated almost $360,000 to worthy causes over the past five years and operates its own 501C3 private foundation called the Levo Cares Foundation. For more information about Levo’s giving, go to: Levo.org/foundation.