Pay it Forward -Middle River

05/14/2026

Congratulations MCC scholarship Winners 💙🤍💙

Pay it Forward Middle River Scholarship - O'Brien Stromsodt, Emily Waterworth, Brooklynn Dahle, Taylor Knutsen

04/24/2026

💙🎗️ Pay It Forward Middle River is honored to play a small part in supporting the incredible work of Trails to Treatments (TTT).

Their mission is simple, yet profoundly important: to assist individuals and families facing cancer with the financial burdens that often accompany treatment. Cancer brings enough challenges on its own, and TTT helps ease some of the out-of-pocket expenses that many are unprepared to face.

Through dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and ongoing fundraising efforts, TTT continues to provide hope, support, and relief to those who need it most.

At Pay It Forward Middle River, we believe in lifting others up, and we are proud to support an organization that shares that same commitment to compassion, kindness, and community.

Together, we can make a difference—one family, one journey, and one act of generosity at a time. ❤️

04/12/2026

🌷💛 April Pay It Forward – Spread Kindness! 💛🌷

April is the perfect time to brighten someone’s day and make a difference in our community! Small acts of kindness can have a BIG impact — and it starts with YOU. 💫

Here are a few simple ways to Pay It Forward this April:

🌼 Leave a kind note for someone to find
☕ Pay for the person behind you in line
🍲 Deliver a meal to someone who could use a lift
🌷 Surprise a neighbor with flowers
🧹 Help with spring clean-up or yard work
💌 Write a thank-you card to a teacher, nurse, or volunteer
🛒 Donate to a local food shelf or pantry
😊 Give out compliments — they’re free and powerful!

Let’s fill April with kindness, one small act at a time. 💛

👉 Do a good deed. Share it. Tag a friend.

📸 Post your acts of kindness in the comments — we’d LOVE to see our community in action!

04/03/2026

03/31/2026

🎓💛 Pay It Forward Middle River – One Day Left! 💛🎓

There is ONE DAY LEFT to sign up for the Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship!

This year, the Sportsmen’s Club is being recognized as a Pay It Forward Spotlight for the many ways they continue to support our community. Their generosity has helped make a lasting difference through:

✅ Scholarships for local students
✅ Donations to non-profits like TTT
✅ Helping families and children in need
✅ Supporting local schools & sports programs
✅ Contributions to the Legacy Center, welcome signs & streetlights
✅ Supporting Renegades American Legion Baseball, Summer Rec, and more

None of this would be possible without the support of our amazing community! 💛

Through your support of pull tabs at The Wheel Bar, you continue to help make these opportunities possible for our youth and families.

🙌 Let’s continue to Pay It Forward and support the next generation.

📌 Don’t forget — sign up for the Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship today!

03/28/2026

Pay it forward, Middle River 💛

Even though there will not be a Mark Peterson Memorial Rodeo in 2026 due to scheduling conflicts, the spirit behind it is still going strong. This spring, a $500 Mark Peterson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Marshall, Kittson, or Roseau County — and this is where our community can truly make a difference.

Middle River has always been a place where people look out for one another. “Paying it forward” isn’t just a phrase here — it’s something we live every day. Supporting a local student in Mark’s memory is a beautiful way to continue that kindness and help the next generation succeed.

📅 Application deadline: April 15, 2026

If you know a graduating senior who would qualify, please share this post and encourage them to apply. One act of kindness can inspire another, and together we can keep Mark’s memory alive while helping a young person move forward. 💛

For more information, contact Marlene Peterson or check with your school administration or local Extension Office.

03/23/2026

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03/19/2026

💙 Pay It Forward – Middle River 💙

As I close my chapter as Miss, I am filled with so much gratitude as I look back on this incredible journey.

Through the Miss Minnesota Organization, I was given opportunities that helped shape my future—especially the scholarships that helped me pursue my education and made a lasting impact on my life. I truly can’t say enough about this organization and all it has given me.

This experience has taught me confidence, leadership, and most importantly, the importance of giving back.

I am proud to continue supporting the Miss Minnesota Organization and to give back through the Minnesota Educational Scholarship Fund Inc. (MESFI) Star of the North Century Club, which is a group of supporters who donate annually to help provide scholarships for future candidates—ensuring these opportunities continue for the next generation. 👉 https://mesfi.org/

Now, it’s my turn to give back—not only to this amazing organization, but right here at home in Middle River. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. This may be the end of one chapter, but it’s just the beginning of another.

✨ Let’s keep paying it forward, Middle River. ✨

03/15/2026

🌟 Pay It Forward Middle River – Community Spotlight

Today we are proud to shine the spotlight on MCC Junior Kelby Augustine!

Kelby was recently recognized as one of 34 Minnesota juniors selected for the ExCEL Award during the Girls Basketball State Championship Tournament at Williams Arena.

The ExCEL Award (Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership) honors Minnesota high school juniors who demonstrate strong leadership, involvement in school activities, and a strong commitment to serving their communities.

Kelby is one of the most involved students at MCC. He participates in football, basketball, and baseball, and is active in band, choir, pep band, the school musical, Knowledge Bowl, and National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Kelby stays busy in 4-H, church activities, and performing music with his siblings at community events. He has also shared his talents right here in Middle River, performing at our Goose Festival and through our Living at Home program. During the summer, he gives back as a Summer Rec Coach for younger students.

Kelby is a shining example of leadership, service, and community involvement. We are proud to highlight him in our Pay It Forward Middle River Community Spotlight.

👏 Congratulations, Kelby!

❄️

03/10/2026

💐 Pay It Forward Middle River 💐

Our community has been blessed with amazing grandparents who share their wisdom, stories, and love with the next generation.

The Middle River Youth Group is promoting a wonderful Grandparents Appreciation Brunch on April 19 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. @ American Legion post 444.

Bring your honored guest and enjoy a delicious brunch featuring a French toast bar, egg bakes, fresh fruit, and non-alcoholic brunch drinks.

🎟 Tickets available at Young’s• Seniors: $15• Students: $12• Under 5: $5

Tag a grandparent you love or someone who should be celebrated! ❤️

Please share to help spread the word in our community.

03/09/2026

📚 March is National Reading Month!

Reading is a wonderful way to learn, grow, and connect with others. Whether it’s a favorite childhood story, a faith-based book, or something new you just picked up, books have a way of inspiring us.

💬 Let’s share the love of reading in our community!
What is a favorite book of yours or your child’s?

Maybe your suggestion will inspire someone else in Middle River to pick up a new book. 📖