Spiten and Zurn Named 10 Days of Giving Co-Chairs

Joy Spiten and Ray Zurn have been named Co-Chairs for Merchants Bank’s 2026 10 Days of Giving food drive, which runs December 1-10. Now in its 38th year, the drive supports food shelf programs operated by Winona Volunteer Services (WVS). Last year’s campaign resulted in 294,859 pounds of food donated to WVS, contributing to a cumulative total of more than five million pounds since the drive began in 1989

“As I step into my second year as Chair, I’m humbled by the incredible generosity our community showed last season and excited to see what’s in store this year as we work to support individual and families in need,” said Spiten.

Two special events aimed at raising donations this year take place on Saturday, December 5. Santa’s Workshop at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Ugly Sweater Shindig at the VFW from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Community members can also look forward to a Shrimp Dinner at the Eagles Club on Friday, December 4 (formerly the annual Fish Fry) and Sippi’s Giving Back Game Day on Sunday, December 6. Midtown Foods is rounding up all transactions to the nearest dollar December 1-10 and donating that amount to 10 Days of Giving. Additionally, Culver’s of Winona is selling its yearly coupon calendar with 100% of the December proceeds going directly to 10 Days of Giving. Learn more at www.merchantsbank.com/10daysofgiving.

Winona County still has many community members facing hardship who need assistance. In 2025, Winona Volunteer Services distributed 688,379 pounds of food and spent $186,768 in food purchases.

“Helping lead 10 Days of Giving this year is a true privilege,” said Zurn. “I feel incredible pride and excitement to be part of this special tradition that helps so many in our area.”

Monetary donations made out to 10 Days of Giving can be mailed or dropped off at Merchants Bank, 102 E. 3rd Street, Winona, MN 55987. Donations can also be made online at the WVS website: https://www.winonavs.org/donate/. Indicate 10 Days of Giving in the notes section.