De Smet has many local organizations that work together to improve the area.
The De Smet Community Foundation builds philanthropy and supports community projects. It provides a mechanism for any person, including those of modest means, to make a lasting contribution. Gifts can be in made of memory of a loved one or in honor of a special individual or individuals any time of the year. A tax-deductible receipt will be sent acknowledging the gift. Individuals and families are encouraged to establish lasting legacies with planned giving to the De Smet Community Foundation. If you are interested in making a contribution fill out the Community Foundation Donation Form and mail or email it to the De Smet Community Foundation.
Community Foundation Donation Form(PDF)
The De Smet Communiy Foundation would like to thank the many contributors who have made the De Smet Event & Athletic Complex possible. It is a true testament to how great our community is.
De Smet Community Foundation
PO Box 42
De Smet, SD 57231
EIN #: 46-1401425
For more information contact Rita Anderson.
Phone: 605-203-0276
Email: rita@desmetsouthdakota.org
The De Smet Chamber is an active group of business people promoting De Smet. They sponsor many civic functions including Old Settler’s Day (longest running celebration in SD), 4th of July Rib Fest and other local promotions. They meet the 1st Monday of every month.
For information, contact Chamber President, Chad Kruse.
Phone: 605-854-3773
The De Smet All School Reunion is held every 5 years. The next reunion will be in 2025. Alumni can connect on the De Smet All School Reunion Facebook Page, and sign up below to be added to the De Smet alumni list and receive an alumni newsletter.
We are looking for volunteers, who are interested in developing a quaterly newsletter that can be send out to all alumni. If you are interested in writing and designing a newsletter, contact Rita Anderson at (605) 854-9011.
Other organizations and clubs.
The American Legion meets at 7:00 pm the first Monday of every month at the legion hall. Any Veteran who would like to join the legion may contact Jim Pekron.
Phone: 605-854-3421
The American Legion Auxiliary meets at 7:00 pm the first Monday of every month at the legion hall. Any woman who is a relation of an active, retired or deceased veteran may join. Local dues are $12.00 for a senior membership and $2.00 for a junior (birth-18) membership. The Legion also awards local scholarships for any member or any member’s son or daughter who graduates from high school.
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 605-854-3057 - Karen Brown
Phone: 605-854-3057 - Donna Steward
South Dakota based non-profit organization, Beef Bucks, Inc., was recently a gift tag prize on America’s #1 game show – Wheel of Fortune. Their purpose is to promote the beef industry and consumer education. The main office of Beef Bucks, Inc. is located in De Smet.
For information, contact Nancy Montross.
Phone: 605-854-3502
This non-profit, service oriented group meets once a month. The De Smet Community Women give money to people who have loved ones in the hospital to help cover their mileage, and they also donate to the Women’s Abuse Shelter in Brookings. They organize community events and projects throughout the year with proceeds donated to many local charities.
For information, contact Helen Janish.
Phone: 605-854-3554
The De Smet Woodcarvers meet from 1-3 pm every Thursday during the winter at the city community center. This men and women’s group welcomes newcomers, provides wood for carving, and does not require dues. Many of the members take woodcarving classes as well as subscribe to woodcarving magazines for new ideas. The woodcarvers also do chip carving, relief carving and round carving.
For information, contact Dale Goreham.
Phone: 605-854-3168
The SDSU Extension office focuses education outreach on youth (with 4-H), agriculture, farm and consumer sciences and community development.
For information, contact the Extension office.
Phone: 605-854-3851
The Harvey Dunn Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the work of noted artist, Harvey Dunn, who grew up locally. They also provided encouragement for artists in visual and performing arts. The group conducts the annual Plein Air Art event held the second Friday through Sunday in August in De Smet.
For information, contact Cheryl.
Phone: 605-854-3383
This non-profit organization was formed to help our friends and neighbors with monetary support in their time of need. Various teams sponsor money making events throughout the year.
For more information or to become part of this worthy group call Sharon Peterson.
Phone: 605-854-3394
The Kingsbury County Genealogy Society is a small group trying to keep our history alive. They meet the 2nd Tuesday at 5PM at the De Smet Mutual Building in De Smet, SD.
For information, visit the website at http://itctel.com/kcgs/.
This active group has been an important part of De Smet’s development and activities for 58 years. They meet every Monday at noon at the Oxbow Restaurant. Kiwanis supports the youth of the community.
The De Smet Masonic Lodge first met 93 years ago in 1883. The Masons have remained strong in De Smet. Past memberships include Charles P. Ingalls, C.S.G. Fuller, George Masters and other names familiar in the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The present Lodge is on the corner of Calumet & Third Street. It was purchased prior to World War I. They continue to meet every third Monday of each month.
For information, contact Dave Harris.
Phone: 605-854-3576
The Order of the Eastern Star meets at the Masonic Temple on Main Street the fourth Monday of June, August, September, October and November. They also meet the second and fourth Monday of March and April, and the second Monday of May.
For information, contact Shirley Lenz.
The International Chapter of the PEO sisterhood meets 15 times a year. This members-only organization supports five philanthropies. The group that began in 1920 raises money for educated-based loans, scholarships and college support. The mission of PEO is to educate women and to motivate each other to achieve our highest aspirations.
For information, contact Gale Anderson.
Phone: 605-854-3530
Meals are prepared and fed to senior citizens ages 60 plus at Ward’s Store Monday through Friday every week at 11:30 AM. The cost is $3.40. Meals are also delivered to those needing home delivery at the same cost. Anyone desiring a meal for that day should call Ward’s Store, 854-3688, by 10:00 AM. This program is sponsored by the Interlakes Community Action Partnership.
For information, contact Ward’s Store.
Phone: 605-854-3688
The Snowdrifters snowmobile club meets the third Wednesday of every month. The club grooms and maintains a 160-mile trail that covers De Smet to Oldham to Ramona, which includes Lake Preston to Arlington and Lake Poinsett to Bryant up to Willow Lake and as far west as Iroquois. Dues are only $25.00 for fun and enjoyment.
For information, contact Diane Hiles.
Phone: 605-854-3660
The Women’s Study Club meets once a month at 2:00 pm Fridays during the winter months. The club has been established since 1903. The group also helps with different education oriented service projects.
