MONROE — Adam Bansley remembers Christmases in the past in which the gifts from the Monroe Woman’s Club stocking program meant the difference between having something — and having nothing — under the tree. And as a kid, he still remembers when donated food from that and other local programs helped ensure that he and his family would not have to go to sleep hungry.

“It still felt like Christmas for us because someone in the community bothered to care,” said Bansley, reflecting on those tough times. “You can’t believe what a difference something like that can be.”

His experience prompted Bansley to keep giving back. So, to help raise money for the 2025 stocking effort, he and his sister, Becky Cherney, have organized a Pictures with Santa event set for December 21 at Monroe Golf Club. All donations raised during the event will go to the stocking fund. It’s just one of myriad efforts large and small across Monroe to boost the fund.

“People in the community really do want to help and you can see it every year,” he said.

For the Bank of New Glarus in Monroe, which recently donated $200 to the stocking fund, giving back to the community is central to continued success, according to the bank’s Angie Parr.

“Especially during the holidays, the bank loves to give back to the communities we are in, because if we didn’t have the people in those communities, we would not even be here.”

Smaller businesses are getting in on the act, too. Bob Finley, owner of Monroe Vacuum Center, gives to the program every year. In addition to running his business, Finley also serves as a school bus driver, a job he says has connected him to the city’s youth in a strong way.

“I just don’t like to see the kids of Monroe coming up short at Christmas,” he said, taking a break from his work at the shop to comment. “The other thing is that I’m able to do it, so I am glad to be able to give something back to them.”

The Monroe Christmas Stocking Fund — coordinated through the Woman’s Club for decades — helps about 250 local families and reaches more than 500 children annually. The program includes the vital Cheer Boxes, food vouchers and a toy drive that puts something under the tree for kids of all ages. 

Those interested in being a recipient of Monroe Christmas Stocking Fund  services or participating as a volunteer/donor are urged to visit the Monroe Woman’s Club Facebook page — called GFWC Monroe Woman’s Club — or via the club’s website, www.monroewomansclub.com.

Local educators are among those giving back this year. Parkside Elementary recently held a fundraiser that brought a coffee truck to town for staff at various schools, with a percentage of sales.

“It’s a nice treat for us, and a nice way to give back,” to the stocking club fundraiser, said Principal Jenna Trame, adding that, overall, Monroe is a giving community.

Separately, the school is teaching children in Monroe to give back — not just at Christmas but all year. In November and December, the school held a special assembly to recognize “community helpers” such as EMS and 911 personnel. It also held a retired staff breakfast to recognize their years of service in the classroom; and the school’s junior Kiwanis chapter held a hat day that raised $300 for local food pantries.