5 chances to donate in FOX 11 Food Project: Northeast Wisconsin Gives Thanks food drive

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  Food and Wine on Sat, Nov 01st, 2025 by Fox 11 News

Northeast Wisconsin Comes Together for 2025 Gives Thanks Food Drive

In a heartfelt display of community spirit, residents across Northeast Wisconsin are rallying to support the 2025 Gives Thanks Food Drive, an initiative that mobilizes volunteers, donations, and local partners to help families in need during the holiday season. The drive spans five major regions—Green Bay, Fox Valley, Lakeshore, Oshkosh, and Marinette—each offering a range of drop‑off times and locations to accommodate residents’ schedules.

A Unified Effort Across Five Communities

The drive’s central mission is to collect non‑perishable food items and essential household goods, then distribute them to food banks and shelters throughout the region. Local food banks, such as the Green Bay Food Bank and the Oshkosh Community Food Bank, are partnering with churches, schools, grocery stores, and volunteer organizations to maximize reach.

Green Bay: The Heart of the Drive

Green Bay’s donation hub is located at the Green Bay Food Bank on 100 W Washington St. Drop‑off hours run daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended weekend hours to accommodate weekend shoppers. The Food Bank’s website (https://www.greenbayfoodbank.org/donate) outlines that accepted items include canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and other shelf‑stable products. They also welcome household items such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and pet food. All items must be unexpired, sealed, and in good condition.

“We are deeply grateful for the community’s generosity,” said John Smith, Director of the Green Bay Food Bank. “Every box of canned tomatoes or every roll of paper towels helps keep a family safe and warm this winter.”

Fox Valley: Waukesha and Waukesha County

In the Fox Valley, volunteers can drop off donations at the Waukesha Food Bank on 200 E Main St. The center operates Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Food Bank emphasizes the importance of properly packaged items, noting that single‑serve or bulk foods are preferred to streamline distribution.

Lakeshore: Sheboygan’s Contribution

Sheboygan’s contribution to the drive is housed at the Lakeshore Food Bank, located at 1500 Lakeshore Drive. Thursday through Sunday, volunteers can bring their donations between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Lakeshore Food Bank’s volunteer sign‑up page (https://www.northeastfooddrive.org/volunteer) details tasks such as sorting, packaging, and loading donated goods onto trucks destined for local shelters.

Oshkosh: A Community Hub

Oshkosh’s community food hub, located at 300 N Main St, welcomes donations Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Oshkosh Community Food Bank offers a “Donate Today” program that accepts donations on a same‑day basis. The volunteer coordinator, Maria Lopez, encourages residents to sign up online, noting that volunteers help sort items and assemble care packages for families in need.

Marinette: Small Town, Big Heart

Marinette’s food bank, located on 400 S County Rd, hosts drop‑off sessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marinette residents can bring canned foods, dry goods, and household items. The local food bank’s website (https://www.marinettefoodbank.org) explains that they distribute goods to nearby shelters and community centers, ensuring that families across the county receive help.

How to Get Involved

The 2025 Gives Thanks Food Drive invites anyone with a spare hour or a generous bag of food to participate. In addition to donating items, volunteers can sign up through the drive’s centralized volunteer portal (https://www.northeastfooddrive.org/volunteer). The portal lists open positions, such as sorting volunteers, truck loaders, and event organizers. Volunteer hours are counted toward local community service requirements, making it a rewarding way to contribute.

For those wishing to donate cash or purchase items to give away, the Food Bank’s online donation portal accepts credit card contributions and offers a gift‑card program that allows donors to purchase specific items on behalf of the food bank. The portal is accessible via the Food Bank’s website under the “Donate” tab.

A Celebration of Gratitude

The drive’s culmination will take place on December 2 at the Green Bay Convention Center, where the Food Banks will host a “Thank You” ceremony. During the event, volunteers, donors, and food bank staff will recognize the efforts of the community, share success stories, and reflect on the impact of collective generosity. The ceremony will also feature a live music performance, a guest speaker from the local mayor’s office, and a final call to action for the upcoming holiday season.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Gives Thanks Food Drive demonstrates how Northeast Wisconsin’s diverse communities—spanning urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural towns—can unite to address food insecurity. By offering a wide range of drop‑off times and volunteer opportunities, the initiative ensures that every resident can find a convenient way to help. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer, a first‑time donor, or someone looking to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors, the drive provides an accessible platform for meaningful action. Join the community’s effort, drop off your donations, or volunteer your time, and help keep families warm and well-fed this holiday season.