As the holiday season approaches, many of us look for meaningful ways to give back to our community. In La Crosse, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference—whether it’s through supporting local food pantries, volunteering at community centers, or lending a hand to our furry friends in need. Here are some impactful ways to give back right here in the area!
Have an organization to add to this list? Email us! hello@lacrosselocal.com
Give Back by —
Donating food, essential items, and monetary gifts
WINN | Mobile Services
WINN (What I Need Now) Inc. serves the La Crosse area by providing essential supplies like water, hygiene kits, clothing, first aid, and more to those experiencing homelessness. While partnering with local organizations to advocate for dignity and respect for all, their mobile outreach program also connects individuals to resources for shelter, healthcare, and employment. Providing monetary donations to WINN allows them to purchase the items they need to support their mission. To learn more and support their work, please visit their website.
Catholic Charities | 3710 East Avenue South, La Crosse
Catholic Charities provides essential services to those in need throughout western Wisconsin, including shelter, food, and financial support. Their programs, such as the La Crosse Warming Center and community food pantry, offer crucial support, particularly during the winter months. They rely on donations and volunteers to help meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and families. Learn more about their initiatives, donation opportunities, and ways to get involved here.
WAFER Food Pantry | 1603 George Street, La Crosse
WAFER Food Pantry is La Crosse County’s largest food pantry, dedicated to reducing hunger by distributing essential food supplies and providing nutritional education. They serve thousands of residents monthly, including children and seniors, who face food insecurity. Community members can support WAFER this holiday season by donating food or funds and volunteering to sort, pack, or distribute food to local families in need.
New Horizons | La Crosse
New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers in La Crosse provide safe shelter, advocacy, and support for individuals affected by domestic violence and abuse. Community members can make a difference by donating essential items like toiletries and winter clothing (see a specific list of needs here), or by volunteering time to assist with holiday drives and programs that bring comfort to survivors and their families. Read more here!
TheExchange | 1009 4th Street South, La Crosse
theExchange in La Crosse offers donated furniture and household essentials to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. They partner with local social services to provide a welcoming, dignified shopping experience for recipients at no cost. This holiday season, community members can support The Exchange by donating gently used furniture, basic household items, or volunteering in their warehouse.
Give Back by —
Serving at local meal programs
Salvation Army | 223 North 8th Street, La Crosse
The Salvation Army of La Crosse County focuses on supporting people facing housing instability, hunger, and economic hardship. Volunteers are often needed to serve meals or ring with the Red Kettle Campaign. Explore all the ways to give or volunteer with the Salvation Army at their website!
Place of Grace | 919 Hood St, La Crosse
A community center that provides meals and support services; they welcome volunteers to help serve food and engage with the community. Get in touch here.
Give Back by —
Volunteering your time
The Parenting Place | 1500 Green Bay Street, La Crosse
The Parenting Place in La Crosse offers support to families by providing free parenting classes, playgroups, and resources designed to help parents and children thrive. Community members can give back by donating to their diaper bank, sponsoring programs, or volunteering to assist with events and outreach. Contributions directly support local families, helping parents access essential tools and build connections.
HorseSense | W4102 Ober Road, Coon Valley
HorseSense offers an opportunity to enrich the lives of individuals using equine therapy. Volunteers can assist with horse care, farm chores, or help facilitate therapeutic riding sessions. To get involved and make a positive impact, visit their volunteer page for more information on how to help.
La Crosse County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) | La Crosse
Many individuals could use help with errands, a meal delivered, companionship, or light yard work. The ADRC connects volunteers with seniors and those with disabilities in need of assistance. Learn more and get involved here!
Youth Programs | Various Locations
Many schools need volunteers for reading programs, supply donations, or general support. Contacting a nearby school, checking with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, or getting in touch with the Library System can provide opportunities to support our local youth!
Toys for Tots | Multiple Locations
The Toys for Tots program helps hundreds of families over the holiday season and is able to gift toys to over 1,000 children! Volunteers can help with toy barrel delivery and pickup, bagging toys, and handing out the toys on giveaway day. You can also donate a new, unwrapped toy at any of their barrel locations in La Crosse and surrounding towns.
Rotary Lights | 410 Veteran Memorial Drive, La Crosse
Rotary Lights in La Crosse is an annual holiday display featuring over 3 million lights in Riverside Park. Community members can volunteer to help set up, maintain, or take down the display, or assist visitors during the event season.
Give Back by —
Giving to animal shelters
Coulee Region Humane Society | 911 Critter Court, Onalaska
The Coulee Region Humane Society offers a chance to give animals a second chance through donations and volunteering. You can contribute by donating supplies, sponsoring adoption fees, or volunteering to walk dogs, socialize with cats, or help with events, directly impacting the lives of animals in need. See more of their needs right on the website!
La Crescent Animal Rescue | 523 S Chestnut Street, La Crescent
La Crescent Animal Rescue relies on community support to provide a safe haven for stray and surrendered animals until they find loving homes. You can make a difference by volunteering to help with animal care or events, or by donating food, toys, and other pet supplies.
This season, let’s come together to spread kindness, brighten lives, and give back across the Coulee Region!
