In the winter, low-income families living in far north cities like Fargo, North Dakota can have a hard time with the brutally cold weather. Thanks to organizations like The Great North Pole, these families can get the support they need to help their children stay warm and happy, especially around Christmas.

The Great North Pole's mission is to help children and families in need in Cass and Clay Counties in North Dakota. Their goal is to bring joy and the spirit of Christmas to every household they touch. Every year, in early December, they organize The Week of Giving. During this time, over 1300 volunteer "elves" round up all the winter coats, food, and basic needs to deliver to local families in need. The items are then sorted, packed into boxes, and then delivered to families throughout the week. The Great North Pole has fostered relationships with local and national companies to create a multiplying effect on donated dollars to go toward these needs for the families. Because of these relationships, money invested in The Great North Pole can go even farther allowing the nonprofit to make a bigger impact in the community.

"North Dakota is cold for a long time. When it gets that cold, a lot of families aren't able to get to school," said Shannon Thornton, The Great North Pole Executive Director. "Kids start missing school, and when they miss school, they fall behind. It impacts them socially. Having this resource for them is really critical."

Many area businesses support The Great North Pole, including SCHEELS Home & Hardware. Dick Thurs, Store Leader, and his wife have served on The Great North Pole board of directors since it began. To find families in need, they work with councilors and teachers at the community schools. They focus on the families on the free and reduced lunch programs.

"It's great. We've delivered boxes each year, and when you walk in you can just see the joy and excitement on their faces and you can tell it's going to help," said Dick.

The team at SCHEELS all helps in different ways at The Great North Pole, including sorting, packing, and delivering the packages. This year, they put together 50 buckets for the families that included batteries, sanitizing wipes, flashlights, and other home essentials.

"It's called the Great North Pole because magic happens at the Great North Pole," said Ashley Wait, SCHEELS Home & Hardware Assistant Store Leader. "We're Santa's little elves bringing joy to people in the community."