Food pantries, coat drives, and local nonprofits see needs spike well before the holidays. By getting involved early, you make a bigger impact.
Creative ways to give back locally:
- Participate in bank-sponsored drives-many of our branches collect non-perishables or warm clothing in the fall.
- Donate gas or grocery store gift cards. Nonprofits in smaller communities like Hartford or West Bend often stretch these farther than physical donations.
- Volunteer as a family. Rake leaves for elderly neighbors, pack boxes at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, or sign up for local 5K fundraisers.
- One simple but powerful way to give back is through Blessings in a Backpack, a program dedicated to fighting childhood hunger. Every week, they make sure kids have meals to take home over the weekend – because no child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. What makes this program especially meaningful is how accessible it is. They’re always looking for volunteers, whether it’s helping pack bags, fundraising, or spreading awareness. Families and youth can get involved too, giving kids a hands-on way to learn the impact of service in their own community. Get Involved – Blessings in a Backpack
Kid-Friendly Ways to Give Back by Age
It’s never too early to teach kids about kindness and service. Here are age-appropriate ways families can give back together this season:
Toddlers (Ages 2–4)
- Color cards for residents at local senior centers.
- Donate a toy to Toys for Tots Wisconsin, your local Salvation Army drive or to a local church that is collecting. Managing and transferring funds for your charitable giving or purchasing gift cards is simple with our Online Banking.
- Bring treats or blankets to an animal shelter like the Wisconsin Humane Society.
Early Elementary (Ages 5–8)
- Pick out warm gear to donate to Hope House of Waukesha or The Guest House of Milwaukee.
- Make handmade cards for veterans at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.
- Participate in school coat or food drives.
Tweens (Ages 9–12)
- Volunteer as a family at Hunger Task Force or Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
- Host a mitten or sock drive at school.
- Write thank-you notes for teachers, bus drivers, and postal workers.
Teens (Ages 13–18)
- Organize a coat drive or fundraiser for a cause that matters to them.
- Shovel driveways or run errands for elderly neighbors.
- Ring bells for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
Bank Five Nine, giving back is part of who we are. See how we’re Making Lives Better in communities across Southeastern Wisconsin by following along on our social media platforms!
