Since Senator George McGovern's passing, in lieu of flowers, his family asked for donations to be made to Feeding South Dakota. And in just the last week, the non-profit has received almost $16,000.
McGovern's efforts to end hunger aren't stopping with his death. The McGovern family requested that donations be made to Feeding South Dakota in the former senator's memory. And thousands are responding to that request.
"It's been a bit of a flurry of activity. I can tell you that once the announcement that Senator McGovern went into hospice and the family put out the press release asking people to, rather than send flowers, make a donation in memory, for memorial in his name to Feeding South Dakota, we've been processing a lot of donations," Feeding South Dakota executive director Matt Gassen said.
Gassen says one man from Spain called their office this week to make sure that his international donation was received in memory of McGovern. And that's something that's shocked the Feeding South Dakota staff.
"I think what's amazing is the fact that we are getting donations in from virtually all over the United States and some foreign countries," Gassen said.
The former U.S. Senator's fight against hunger is something that's near and dear to the Feeding South Dakota organization and the recent request of the family's is only empowering Feeding South Dakota continue their mission.
"I think what it's done for Feeding South Dakota, both in his life and in his passing has created greater awareness on the issue of hunger and that it does exist and it is something that we are capable and able and it's a solvable problem," Gassen said.
And although their warehouse seems larger than life, Gassen says it's not nearly enough space to feed all the hungry mouths he wishes he could. But, his organization will continue to keep their shelves stocked thanks to a man with an endless mission.
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