The idea for the Donation Station, a mobile trailer for giving back, came from a volunteer group under The Minot Area Community Foundation. Funds were made available by the MACF's Arnold I Besserud Fund to purchase the trailer and have it wrapped. Gracious partners whom have contributed resources to the project include Minot Trailer Sales, Odney Advertising, American Truck & Trailer, Sign D’Zyn of Minot, MCGee, Hankla & Backes, P.C. and Shocks Safe & Lock.
The Donation Station promotes giving back in a non-traditional way. The primary function of the Donation Station is to collect donated items – food, clothing, toys, etc. – and then deliver those items to where they will benefit people or organizations in need. If you are hosting any type of community event in which you will be collecting items that are to benefit an underserved population, then this trailer should be at your event!*
The Donation Station is most widely used each fall during the Donation Station Challenge Grant, which typically runs from September through December. During this annual event, area organizations can use the trailer to collect items for local food pantries, with the opportunity to earn additional grant dollars from MACF's Arnold I. Besserud Fund in support of their efforts.
The impact of this initiative has been significant:
- Since 2017, and through the end of 2025, the Donation Station has collected over 104,748 pounds of food through community partner food drives. Thanks to the yearly Challenge Grant, funded by MACF’s Arnold I. Besserud Fund, $57,854 has been granted back into local food pantries, helping nourish families across the region.
LEARN MORE:
Please call the Minot Area Community Foundation for more information: 701-852-0646. We invite you to join us and keep the giving going!
*The trailer is to be used by non-profits or groups holding an event that will benefit a non-profit or group of underserved people within 30 miles of Minot. Use of the trailer will be contingent on the signing of a contract and deposit made with the Minot Area Community Foundation. A valid Driver’s License, proof of insurance and a vehicle capable of towing are all required. Approved use of the trailer is taken on a case-by-case basis and MACF reserves the right to not grant use of the trailer for any reason that they see fit.