MCU Launches Holiday Food Drives
Marine Credit Union Launches Holiday Food Drives and Donates $30,000 to Support Local Food Banks
Donations support organizations in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Milwaukee as families fight growing food insecurity.
LA CROSSE, Wis. – November 5, 2025 – With recent reductions in FoodShare benefits leaving many Wisconsin families struggling to meet basic nutritional needs, Marine Credit Union (MCU) is stepping up to help.
This holiday season, MCU is launching a year-end food drive across our Financial Empowerment Centers (FECs) and donating more than $30,000 to local food banks to help our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
“Our mission has always been to advance lives,” said Tom Knothe, Marine Credit Union CEO. “When we see our communities facing hardship, we’re called to step up. By combining financial support with food donations, we hope we can make an immediate and lasting impact for families in need.”
The food drives will run now through December 31, with all MCU branches accepting donations of non-perishable, shelf-stable items.
How You Can Help
Marine Credit Union invites community members to join us in supporting their neighbors in need by contributing to the holiday food drives.
What to Donate: Non-perishable, shelf-stable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, baby formula, and other essentials.
Where to Donate: Drop off donations at any Marine Credit Union Financial Empowerment Center through December 31.
When Donations Will Be Delivered: Marine will deliver collected items to local food pantries at the end of November and again at the end of December.
Every can, box, and dollar makes a difference in helping families put food on the table this holiday season.
Financial Support for Lasting Impact
In addition to the food drives, MCU is donating $30,000 across its Wisconsin footprint to help address hunger at both the state and local levels:
- $10,000 to Hunger Task Force (La Crosse)
- $10,000 to Feed My People Food Bank (Eau Claire)
- $10,000 to Feeding America (Milwaukee)
Check presentations will take place in each market, with MCU leadership attending to present the donations and share more about our ongoing commitment to community well-being.
- Eau Claire: November 6 at 2:30 p.m. – Feed My People Food Bank
- La Crosse: November 10 at 2:00 p.m. – Hunger Task Force
- Milwaukee: Feeding America
“At Marine, we believe financial empowerment begins with stability, and stability starts with meeting basic needs,” said Knothe. “We’re proud to support our local food partners in their essential work to ensure every family has access to nutritious meals this holiday season.”