When I first heard the phrase “Denny’s Bucks for Bags” I figured that it must have something to do with sandbagging and, of course, our fearless leader, Dennis Walaker.  In checking into this I discovered that it did involve filling sandbags in the wake of this year’s flood.  Who else but Dennis Walaker could again lead us in the fight for what could, once again, be a run at the next 100-year flood?

This program offers donations to recognized organizations based on the amount of hours they volunteer to help fill sandbags.  Residents who are not members of an organization may volunteer their time and designate it to the participating organization of their choice.  How awesome is that??  I like the fact that as a volunteer I have the opportunity to help my community, as well as, raise funds for a local organization.  This truly sounds like a wonderful opportunity for all of us and a chance to give back two-fold.

The list of eligible candidates could include civic or community organizations, high school football, basketball, or other teams, high school key clubs, DECA clubs, and similar organizations to name a few.  However, an eligible organization must have been organized and in existence on or before January 1, 2010.  Eligible organizations will be grouped into categories based on the number of members.

The city will contribute $75.00 to a qualified organization that provides 100 hours of sandbag filling effort under this program and will provide an additional $75.00 for each 100 hours provided by said qualified organization.  Any qualified organization that contributes 500 hours or more under this program will receive a $50.00 bonus.  Contributions to student teams or organizations will be made to the school or applicable school district and the school will administer or distribute the funds to the school organization.  Eligible organizations will be required to register in advance (before organization members begin contributing hours of sandbag filling efforts) and provide the name and address of the president or chairman of the organization, tax identification number and so forth.

Eligible organizations will be grouped in categories by the number of members in that organization.

Category A     15 or fewer members

Category B      16 to 30 members

Category C      31 to 50 members

Category D     51 to 75 members

Category E      76 or more members

Once the Denny’s Bucks for Bags program has ended, the eligible organization in each of the above categories with the greatest number of sandbag filling hours contributed, will receive a $100.00 bonus in addition to any other contribution bonus.

The program will end when the necessary number of sandbags is filled.

The following sites are currently open and are looking for energetic sandbaggers.

City of Fargo asks that you go to the Fargo Coliseum (located at 801 N 17th Ave.) South parking lot and a shuttle will take you to and from Sandbag Central on the hour and half hour.

Hours are from 8 am – 8 pm Monday through Saturday until Fargo stockpiles one  million sandbags.

City of Moorhead Public Works building located at 700 15^th Avenue North.

Hours are from 7 am to 7 pm March 1-6 and from noon-7 pm March 7^th.  The goal at the present time is to fill 300,000 bags.

Now is the time to step up within our community.  So let’s all stop sandbagging and start bagging sand!!