December 10, 2024

Spreading Cheer: Simple Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season 

The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and giving—a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and find meaningful ways to give back to those around us. Supporting your community during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and care, individuals and families can make a big impact while spreading cheer. Citizens First Bank is proud to champion this spirit of giving through our involvement in community initiatives across Holmen, Trempealeau, Centerville, Sparta, Viroqua, and Viola. Together, let’s explore some heartwarming ways to give back this holiday season. 

Share Holiday Cheer Through Donations 

The simplest way to give back is through thoughtful donations. Many organizations in our communities are collecting items to help those in need. 

• Food Drives and Essentials: Support efforts like Sparta’s Holiday Food Drive or Second Harvest Food Collection by donating non-perishable food items. Even a single can of soup can brighten someone’s day. 

• Warm Clothing: Consider donating winter gear, such as hats, gloves, and coats, to local charities. These items are invaluable during the chilly winter months. 

• Toys for Kids: Many organizations host holiday toy drives to ensure every child experiences the magic of the season. 

Citizens First Bank supports these efforts by organizing collection boxes at our branches and partnering with local organizations. Check with your nearest branch for details on how you can participate. 

Volunteer Your Time 

One of the most meaningful gifts you can give is your time. Volunteering not only helps those in need but also creates lasting memories for you and your family. 

• Community Events: Join us in supporting events like Holmen’s Jingle Fest, Trempealeau’s Holiday in the Park, or Sparta’s Holiday Lights, where volunteers make these festive traditions possible. 

• Local Cleanups: Participate in park or roadside cleanup efforts in communities like Viroqua and Sparta. Keeping our neighborhoods beautiful fosters pride and connection. 

• Ladles of Love: Help serve warm meals to those in need at local soup kitchens. Programs like Ladles of Love in Sparta provide crucial support during the winter season. 

At Citizens First Bank, we’re passionate about volunteerism. Our employees dedicate time to initiatives like Adopt-A-Highway cleanups and financial literacy programs for local schools. 

Support Local Causes and Businesses in the Community

Another way to spread cheer is by supporting local causes and businesses. Shopping local during the holidays helps strengthen the local economy and supports your neighbors. 

• Attend Community Events: Events like the Vernon County Dairy Breakfast or Viola’s Horse and Colt Show Parade celebrate the spirit of the season while supporting local causes. 

• Give to Local Organizations: Contribute to groups like the Holmen Area Foundation or the Holmen Booster Club, which work year-round to enrich our communities. 

When you support local, you’re directly contributing to the vibrancy of your town. 

Get Your Kids Involved in the Community 

Teaching children the importance of giving back instills lifelong values of kindness and generosity. 

• Create Cards for Seniors: Help your kids craft cheerful holiday cards for residents of local nursing homes. A simple note can bring immense joy. 

• Participate in School Drives: Many schools, like those in Viroqua and Viola, collect supplies or holiday gifts for families in need. Encourage your children to contribute or organize a collection of their own. 

• Volunteer as a Family: Whether it’s helping at a local event or serving meals, family volunteering creates meaningful shared experiences. 

Citizens First Bank’s Commitment to Community 

At Citizens First Bank, giving back is at the heart of what we do. Throughout the year, we actively participate in and sponsor a variety of events and initiatives, including: 

• Holmen: From hosting ice cream trucks at June Dairy Days to supporting Korn Fest and Jingle Fest, we’re deeply involved in celebrating the community. 

• Sparta: Our efforts include park and bike trail cleanups, food drives, and supporting events like Sparta National Night Out. 

• Viroqua: We proudly contribute to Twinkle Fest, school supply donations, and the Vernon County Fair. 

• Viola: Our team loves supporting unique local traditions like the Horse and Colt Show Parade and school supply drives. 

By working together with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers, we’re building stronger communities one initiative at a time. 

How You Can Join Us 

This holiday season, we invite you to partner with us in spreading joy and kindness. Visit your local Citizens First Bank branch to learn about ongoing initiatives, such as donation drives or volunteer opportunities. 

Together, we can create a ripple effect of generosity that will brighten the holidays for everyone in our communities. Let’s make this season a time of giving, gratitude, and connection. 

From all of us at Citizens First Bank, thank you for making a difference. Happy holidays! 

Citizens First Bank – Member FDIC 

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