Cottage Grove, MN—Merchants Bank in Cottage Grove is partnering again with Open Cupboard and Friends in Need to help those in need during the 10 Days of Giving drive, December 1-10. In addition to partnering with local schools and organizations, the Bank is collecting donations at the branch location in Cottage Grove. This year’s drive carries special meaning as Merchants Bank celebrates 150 years of service.
According to Feeding America, one in 10 Minnesotans face hunger, including working families, seniors, and veterans, while one in seven children in Minnesota live in food-insecure households. Data from the Food Group meanwhile shows that Minnesotans made nearly nine million visits to food shelves in 2024, a record high and a 2.5x increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Every donation helps fight hunger and brings hope to families in need. The support of community members ensures children and adults across our community have access to nutritious meals, especially during the colder months when need is greatest.
“We are incredibly grateful for the immense community support we’ve received over the years,” said Bruce Goblirsch, Market President in Cottage Grove. “It’s truly a labor of love for our communities, and it remains our most favorite holiday tradition.”
Over the years, more than 189,000 items and $5,000 has been collected in partnership with students and community members to support Open Cupboard and Friends in Need.
“One of the best parts of this tradition is partnering with the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train,” said Randy Bachman, Chair of 10 Days of Giving in Cottage Grove. “They make this even more special for the community.”
Much of the food for the drive is collected during the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stop in Cottage Grove. Although this stop occurs outside of the first ten days of December, it is a crucial part of the drive, and staff is collecting donations as usual. The train arrives on Saturday, December 13, at 5:15 p.m., at 7064 West Point Douglas Road. While all donations are appreciated, monetary support can have a maximum impact as Open Cupboard and Friends in Need have more buying power through food banks and other resources.
Residents are encouraged to mail in or drop off monetary donations via the drive-up facility at Merchants Bank in Cottage Grove, 8479 East Point Douglas Road South. Checks can be made payable to 10 Days of Giving.
Now in its 18th year locally, the 10 Days of Giving drive is an annual community collaboration between Merchants Bank in Cottage Grove, Open Cupboard and Friends in Need to make sure no one in the community goes without each winter. In addition to the Cottage Grove drive, other Merchants Bank locations partner with their respective local food shelf in a similar effort. To learn more about the 10 Days of Giving in your area, visit www.merchantsbank.com/10daysofgiving. Member FDIC.