On December 1st, Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte lit the State Capitol Christmas Tree and welcomed the holiday season with carols sung by the Carroll College Choirs. On this day, the governor and first lady launched the fifth annual 12 Days of Giving and donated toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots. They encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.
On the second day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte visited Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) in Missoula and announced the state’s fifth annual interagency food drive competition.
“As the only statewide food bank, Montana Food Bank Network works with over 330 community partners to distribute over 16 million pounds of food in all 56 counties,” Gov. Gianforte stated in a press release. “This year, we’re proud to continue our state agency food drive competition to help feed Montana families in need this holiday season.”
On the third day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte encouraged eligible Montanans to give the lifesaving gift of blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana.
On the fourth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the Montana Hope Project, a nonprofit that fulfills wishes of Montana children with terminal, critical, or chronic illness.
On the fifth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted Underwater Soldiers, a Montana nonprofit that provides therapeutic scuba diving to veterans while cleaning the state’s waterways.
“Montana veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms and serve our communities,” Gov. Gianforte stated. “Underwater Soldiers gives veterans a place to heal, build connections, and regain confidence after their service. Programs like this honor their sacrifices and help them thrive, and I encourage all Montanans to support their work this holiday season.”
On the sixth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the opportunity for Montanans to support the Threshold of Life Memorial to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors, encourage education on organ donation, and to register as a donor.
On the seventh day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte contributed a quarter of his annual salary to the NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program, which gives Montana students hands-on construction experience while building affordable homes for first-time homebuyers.
“As Montanans, we believe in hard work, opportunity, and giving back to our neighbors,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The High School House Program brings all three together as students learn in-demand skills, families achieve the dream of homeownership, and our communities growing stronger. As I continue my commitment to donating my annual salary, I am proud to support the work of these Great Falls students.”
On the eighth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted Friends of the Children Eastern Montana, a nonprofit providing long-term mentors to children who face systemic obstacles and who have experienced significant trauma.
“Friends of the Children Eastern Montana provides our youngest Montanans with the stability, encouragement, and support they need to grow and thrive at a time when they need it most,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These long-term mentorship opportunities can change the trajectory of a child’s life. This holiday season as you think about ways to give back, consider supporting this organization and the kids they serve every day.”
On the ninth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte contributed a quarter of his annual salary to ZoeCare, a nonprofit pregnancy support clinic in Bozeman that provides free pregnancy and parenting support services to Montanans.
“For nearly 50 years, ZoeCare has provided care and resources to young mothers and families,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we continue our 12 Days of Giving, I’m proud to support the nonprofit with its mission to support Montana mothers and stronger families.”
On the 10th day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry.
On the eleventh day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the Developmental Educational Assistance Program (DEAP), a nonprofit that provides community-based services to support the development, health, and well-being of children, adults, and families across eastern Montana and throughout the state.
“For nearly fifty years, DEAP has served as a resource for families by providing education and support services to families, children, and adults,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This holiday season, as you look for ways to support your neighbors, consider helping DEAP continue its work to connect families and all Montanans with the tools they need to live healthy, full lives.”
On the twelfth and final day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte contributed a quarter of his annual salary to Mountain Shadow Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, restoring parent-child relationships, and supporting community-led healing and addiction recovery in Lodge Grass.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
