Jennifer Welch, Dave Pierret Named 10 Days of Giving Co-Chairs

Jennifer Welch and Dave Pierret have been named Co-Chairs for Merchants Bank’s 2021 10 Days of Giving food drive, which runs December 1-10. The effort, which benefits food shelf programs operated by Winona Volunteer Services (WVS), will be celebrating its 33^rd year. To date, more than 4 million pounds of food have been collected. Last year’s campaign raised 260,211 pounds of food for WVS.

“We’re very excited to once again coordinate this campaign that has been part of the community for so many years,” said Regional President Andrew Guzzo. “We’re so grateful for all the positive support from our friends and neighbors and look forward to safely seeing everyone again this year.”

This year there will still be a variety of special events, including a Pack the Bus to Drive Out Hunger event on Saturday, December 4 in the Merchants Bank – Downtown parking lot and the return of our Apps & Taps event at Port 507 on Sunday, December 5.

“It’s always inspiring to be part of this campaign and the support it brings to those who need it,” Welch said. “For over 30 years this community has worked together to ensure that no one in Winona County goes hungry during the winter months – that’s something special.” Welch is a Personal Banker and this is her eighth year leading the coordination of the campaign.

There continues to be a need in the area. In 2020, Winona Volunteer Services helped over 3,000 individuals through their food shelf or emergency food services.

“I am looking forward to all of the events we have planned,” Pierret said. “These are great opportunities for the community to come together to have some fun as well as support those in need.” Pierret is a Commercial Banker and it is his first year as a co-chair.

Again this year, monetary donations will be the safest and most efficient way to support WVS. Monetary donations can be made out to 10 Days of Giving and mailed to, or dropped off at Merchants Bank, 102 E. 3^rd Street, Winona, MN 55987. If you would like to make a donation online, visit the Winona Volunteer Services website: www.winonavs.org. Indicate “10 Days of Giving” after entering your name. For questions, please call Jennifer Welch at (507) 457-1108.

The 10 Days of Giving food drive is an annual community collaboration between Merchants Bank and Winona Volunteer Services to make sure no one in Winona County goes hungry each winter. Since 1989, the drive has collected more than 4 million pounds of food and helped thousands of people in Winona County. In addition to the Winona 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.

(Merchants Bank)