From Our Bank to Your Neighbors: Making an Impact This Season

If you're reading this, we can almost guarantee that you care deeply about your community. You may already be actively involved in giving back, or perhaps you're just beginning to explore ways to contribute. No matter where you are on your philanthropic journey, you're in good company. Ready to make a real impact? Keep reading to learn about our ongoing community efforts and how you can contribute to our special September Community Impact Month initiative, the Bundle Up Drive.

 

Because We’re Community Members Too

At Merchants Bank, we’re not just any financial institution, we’re a community bank. While the “bank” aspect is a monumental part of what defines us, the “community” piece is equally vital. Our story is intrinsically linked to the stories of our communities because as our friends, neighbors and local business grow and thrive, so do we. It’s thanks to our strong community partnerships that we had the privilege of celebrating 150 years in business this year in July. Because of community, we’re able to help individuals and families achieve their hopes and dreams. As community members ourselves, we’re committed to giving back. 

Last year, our community commitment encompassed:

• $521,004 total charitable donations company-wide,
• More than 440 organizations supported through donations or volunteer work,
• And over 11,000 of volunteer hours completed.

You can find more information about our community reinvestment efforts in our CRA Public File.

Additionally, we’re committed to several in house and community-owned initiatives throughout the year, including: 

• 10 Days of Giving: An initiative started by our President & CEO, Greg Evans, that takes place the first 10 Days of December. All food and items collected are donated to local food shelves and non-profits.
• Fighting Hunger: Supported through efforts like Feed My Starving Children, Home Delivered Meals and other similar efforts to help combat hunger in our local communities and abroad. 
• Free Personal Document Shredding: A service offered periodically to our community members to help keep their personal and financial information safe and secure.
• Golf Fundraiser Events: Our participation in and sponsorship of these events put on by local organizations helps raise money for important causes like funding cancer research.
• Habitat for Humanity Builds: Teams of Merchants Bank employees participate in builds across our communities, helping families have access to a permanent and comfortable place to call home.

 

Make A Direct Impact: Join Our Bundle Up Drive This September

While those numbers and annual commitments tell a powerful story of our ongoing commitment, we’re always looking for new ways to deepen our impact and champion the places we call home. That’s why this September, we’re leveling up our involvement in Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) Community Impact Month by launching our Bundle Up Drive.

The need for warm clothing and coats continues to increase every year. National organizations like One Warm Coat report an over 30% growth in requests for assistance every year since 2020. This means thousands of our community members, potentially facing tough choices between essentials like food and warm clothing, are in need of your help.
 

How To Get Involved

It’s easy to make a difference! During the month of September bring your new, warm winter clothing to your nearest Merchants Bank location and drop them off in the Bundle Up Drive collection bin. This drive runs for the entire month and all items donated will go directly to local friends and neighbors in need within our communities.

Acceptable donations include:

• Winter jackets
• Snow pants
• Scarves
• Hats
• Mittens
• Gloves
• Warm socks
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Sweaters
• Fleece pullovers

 

Other Ways to Make an Impact

Beyond your participation in our clothing drive, there are many other ways you can contribute to a thriving community. Your involvement, whether it’s giving your resources or time, helps build a stronger, more resilient place for all of us. Below are a few ways you can make an impact in your day-to-day:

• Donate old blankets, pillows, toys, food and treats to local humane societies and shelters.
• Donate clothing to local thrift stores and non-profits.
• Contribute books to the free little libraries in your community or your official town library.
• Make meals for local warming centers to give out.
• Save money by taking advantage of sales or deals at grocery stores when buying boxed or canned items to donate to local food shelves and pantries.
• Reach out to your local chamber or city council to discover volunteer opportunities.
• Support local small businesses and non-profits through purchases or donations.
• Bring a small garbage bag with you on walks and pick up any litter you see.

 

Because You’re a Community Member Too

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a positive impact in the lives of others and strengthens the very fabric of our shared community. 

Thank you for being part of our communities and joining us in giving back.