COMMUNITY KINDNESS HUNT

This summer, Building Our Families is excited to launch our very first:

💙 COMMUNITY KINDNESS HUNT 💙

In partnership with First Bank & Trust and in recognition of KDIO Radio’s 70th Anniversary partnership with Building Our Families, we will be recognizing individuals and families in our communities who deserve a little extra kindness and support.

We will be selecting ONE winner in each category from:

📍 Milbank / Grant County, SD

📍 Ortonville / Big Stone County, MN

2026 Community Kindness Hunt Categories:

💙 Family in Need

This category recognizes a family currently facing financial hardship or an unexpected life challenge. This may include struggles related to housing, employment, transportation, medical issues, family crisis, or other barriers affecting day-to-day stability. The goal of this award is to provide encouragement and practical support during a difficult season.

💙 Youth Showing Kindness

This category recognizes a child or teenager who consistently shows kindness, compassion, leadership, or service to others. This may include helping family members, supporting classmates, volunteering, encouraging peers, or making a positive difference in their school or community through everyday actions.

💙 Family Overcoming a Challenge

This category recognizes a family working hard to move forward through a significant challenge or life transition. This may include overcoming addiction, rebuilding after hardship, navigating medical or mental health struggles, reunification efforts, grief, domestic violence, financial setbacks, or other difficult circumstances. This award celebrates resilience, growth, and perseverance.

💙 Little Steps, Big Futures

This category provides support connected to childcare, early childhood needs, or opportunities that help parents maintain employment and create stability for their children. This may include daycare assistance, preschool-related needs, educational supports, or other resources that help families continue building a stronger future one step at a time.

💙 Full Plates, Bright Days

This category focuses on reducing food insecurity and helping children feel confident and cared for at school and home. Support may include assistance with school lunch balances, groceries, meal-related needs, or other basic supports that help ensure children have access to consistent meals and the ability to focus on learning and daily life.

Community members are invited to submit letters of recommendation for individuals or families they believe should be considered.

Letters will be accepted:

📅 Through June

🏆 Winners will be announced by July 10th.

Letters can be submitted at this link:

https://form.jotform.com/261317196790059

This event is designed to celebrate kindness, resilience, hard work, and the strength of families in our rural communities.

Through this partnership, First Bank & Trust is helping Building Our Families provide meaningful support and encouragement to local families, while KDIO helps us share these stories of hope throughout the community.

Because sometimes the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s future. 💙

#CommunityKindnessHunt #BuildingOurFamilies #FirstBankAndTrust #KDIO70Years #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors