RAPID CITY, S.D. — What began as a response to tragedy has grown into a far-reaching effort to strengthen connections between first responders and local youth.
Dustin Calhoun, president and co-founder of Black Hills Badges for Hope, said the nonprofit organization was founded in 2018 after three Rapid City police officers were shot and killed, including two of his close friends, Ryan McCandless and Nick Armstrong.
“We wanted to find a way to keep their legacy alive and turn something tragic into something positive for the community,” Calhoun said.
Rather than focusing only on remembrance, Calhoun and co-founder Jason LaHaye built the organization around prevention, healing and connection. The group works to bridge the gap between first responders and at-risk or underserved youth, many of whom only encounter police, firefighters or EMTs during traumatic situations.
“Those kids often only see first responders on the worst day of their life,” Calhoun said. “We try to flip that script and show them the human side — that these are just normal people who want to give back.”
Black Hills Badges for Hope operates as a grassroots nonprofit, relying entirely on donations from individuals and local businesses. The organization does not receive United Way funding.
Its signature program, “Badges and Kids Christmas,” has taken more than 1,200 children holiday shopping since its inception. Last year, 243 children participated, escorted by first responders from 21 different agencies. This year, the organization expects to serve nearly 270 children.
During the event, each child is paired with a first responder and given money to shop for gifts for themselves and their families. Calhoun said one of the most impactful moments often comes when children choose to buy gifts for others instead of themselves.
“Many of these kids will spend every dollar on their family,” he said. “Last year, a young girl even bought a box of cereal for Police Chief Don Hedrick because she found out it was his favorite. It’s moments like that which remind us why we do this.”
This year’s shopping events will take place Dec. 8-9 at Target in Rapid City, Dec. 10-11 at the Southside Walmart, Dec. 18 in Spearfish and Dec. 21 in Rapid City. Community members are encouraged to stop by between 6 and 8 p.m. to witness the experience.
Beyond the Christmas program, the organization addresses other community needs as they arise. When Hausmann Elementary’s annual Turkey Bingo fundraiser was canceled due to a lack of donors, Black Hills Badges for Hope stepped in to raise funds for a holiday version of the event. When schools lacked functioning water fountains and students didn’t have bottles, the organization provided them.
The group also supports youth participation in sports and activities by paying registration fees and purchasing equipment, including boxing gear, wrestling shoes, baseball cleats and even a trumpet for a student who wanted to join band at school.
“Sports teach kids that failure is not the end — it’s a lesson,” Calhoun said. “You miss a ground ball, you strike out, but you learn to move forward. Those are life skills.”
Calhoun added that many children in the Rapid City area struggle with food insecurity, housing instability and adult responsibilities far beyond their years. His goal is to help remove as many barriers as possible.
“If a parent has to choose between paying the heating bill or letting their kid play a sport, we want them to pay the heating bill,” he said. “We’ll take care of the rest.”
Black Hills Badges for Hope is currently fundraising for its $50,000 annual goal. Donations can be made as one-time contributions or as monthly gifts, starting as low as $5.
“Even a few dollars a month can make a big impact when a community comes together,” Calhoun said.
