RAPID CITY, S.D.— Although their goal may have been to take a stroll around the neighborhood or climb a
mountain, Ken Kirk and his grandchildren, Dylan and Alice, have the bonus of seeing how their hikes benefit
children in our community. Ken shared that both he and his grandchildren love hiking and started spending
more time outdoors in 2020 during COVID, when they were outside more due to social distancing. When on a
hike, walking around their neighborhoods, downtown, or in spaces where people frequently congregate, they
pay close attention to their surroundings, and this often leads to them finding coins. Ken and his wife Nancy
live in Rapid City; their grandchildren live in Austin, Texas. Over the years, they have collected those coins and
their bank is now filled to the brim. On June 2, at 10:30 a.m. Ken, Dylan, and Alice will deliver the collected
coins to YFS! The coins, totaling more than $200, along with an additional gift provided by the Kirk family, will
be used to help cover the costs associated with providing meals to children in our community. (Coin delivery
will be at our 410 East Monroe site.)
Ken shared, “It was Dylan’s idea to donate the coins to help ensure that no child goes hungry. We discussed
how this gift addresses a critical need and has a profoundly positive impact on children’s lives. I’m proud of
Dylan for recognizing how this gift contributes to a child’s health and their ability to thrive.” Kirk continued,
“Because of all the good YFS does in our community, we chose to donate the coins here where we know they
will make a difference.”
“We appreciate the Kirk family and their commitment to meeting the needs of children and families in our
community. Every dollar makes a difference! This gift will support our efforts to provide nutritious meals to
everyone who walks through our doors,” stated Connie Olson, Chief Development Officer.
YFS’ Summer Food Program provides free meals to children and adults who walk in, Monday through Friday,
between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at our 410 East Monroe Street site.
Additional information about YFS’ Summer Food program can be obtained by contacting Connie Olson at (605) 342-4195 or by email at colson@youthandfamilyservices.org.
