Day of Giving that Makes a Local Difference
Each February, Giving Hearts Day brings communities across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota together for a meaningful day of giving.
This 24-hour charitable fundraising event brings communities together to support local non-profits making a difference, encouraging donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness.
This year, EFMN participated in the 2026 campaign with a focus on sustaining local programs that support the estimated 3,000 people living with epilepsy in the Fargo–Moorhead area.
Epilepsy impacts many areas of daily life beyond seizures, including missed work, challenges at school, barriers to healthcare, and increased isolation. These realities make reliable information, connection, and ongoing support essential for individuals and families throughout the region.
EFMN’s Outreach Manager in Moorhead, Lisa Necastro, regularly works with community members navigating these challenges. Through her role, she sees how consistent access to local resources can improve confidence and help individuals better manage the day‑to‑day complexities of an epilepsy diagnosis.
To address these needs, EFMN offers programs such as seizure smart education, connect groups, and personalized support.
These services equip individuals and families with practical tools including seizure management guidance, support accessing care resources, and navigating everyday situations. Community giving through events like Giving Hearts Day helps ensure these programs remain accessible to those who rely on them.
Coming Together as a Community
In the weeks leading up to February 12, the Fargo–Moorhead community supported the campaign by donating dollars and contributing gently used goods.
Partnering with local organization Brandt Hospitality Group, community members took part in the “Fill the Truck” effort, donated gently used clothing and household items.
Items which are then transformed into funding to go back to support EFMN programs in the region.
To help spread the word even further, the campaign was also featured on North Dakota Today, where Outreach Manager Lisa Necastro and longtime United in Epilepsy Walk Captain Hannah Arneson talked about local epilepsy resources and the role community support plays in this work.
The segment offered another way to reach people across the region and encourage participation in Giving Hearts Day.
Thank you from the Bottom of Our Hearts
Through the generosity of the Fargo–Moorhead community, along with a local match donor who helped amplify every contribution, $7,930 was raised to strengthen support programs and services for individuals impacted by epilepsy in the region.
These services help ensure that individuals feel informed, supported, and connected during moments when that support matters most.
Whether you made a financial gift, donated used goods, helped spread the word, or encouraged a neighbor to get involved — you made a meaningful difference. Giving Hearts Day is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together, and this year, Fargo–Moorhead showed up in a powerful way.
From all of us at the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, thank you for giving from the heart and helping ensure no one faces epilepsy alone.
Inspired by this work? Make a gift, get connected, and explore more ways you can get involved.