Merchants Bank in Hastings is partnering again with Hastings Family Service (HFS) to help those in need during the 10 Days of Giving food drive, December 1-10. In addition to partnering with local schools and organizations, the Bank will focus on a coin drive – donations will be accepted at Merchants Bank in Hastings.

“We’re fortunate to have an organization like Hastings Family Service in our community,” said Bruce Goblirsch, President of Merchants Bank in Hastings. “10 Days of Giving is a vital initiative in helping them meet food shelf demand and the community’s generosity provides many families with resources they need during the holidays.”

Over the years, more than 115,000 pounds of food have been collected in partnership with students and community members to support Hastings Family Service. For tracking purposes, each dollar donated is counted as one pound of food.

Much of the food is collected during the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train visit to Hastings, which is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10 at 8:15 p.m. at the Canadian Pacific Depot, 500 East Second Street. While all donations are appreciated, monetary support can have a maximum impact as Hastings Family Service has 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 Hastings, 1525 Vermillion Street. Checks can be made payable to 10 Days of Giving.

The 10 Days of Giving food drive is an annual community collaboration between Merchants Bank in Hastings and Hastings Family Service to make sure no one in Hastings goes hungry each winter. In addition to the Hastings 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.