Good morning, Wisconsin!

How our UpNorthNews readers spread kindness

The holidays are a great time to give back to our communities, and our readers have made that known. Thank you to everyone who sent in the ways you contribute to the well-being of the people around you! Here’s what you said:

🏡 Volunteering at homeless shelters

“We prepare and serve a noon meal at the homeless shelter at least 2 times a year. Through our church, we give a bed for a week at the homeless shelter—no gifts to each other.” — Patricia Z.

🛠️ Building homes

“A pastor at Landmark Christian Church had an idea. The idea grew from housing homeless people overnight in a building on their grounds. To building tiny houses. The Tiny Houses started to show up in church parking lots. Then land and a small building was purchased. All the tiny houses moved there. Now this past summer, low income housing was built and opened. Next an older motel has been purchased and will be made into one room apartments. The old office will be a thrift store to help with the sustainability.” — Diane B.

🎼 Play music for community members

“Here in Waushara County several area musicians who are part of our Blackhawk Folk Music Society, gather weekly for music jam sessions but also volunteer to provide music to dine by at area Sr Center meal sites. Our background music from time to time at these meal sites makes these important social gatherings a bit more special for many older folks who often live alone.” — Anne D.

🪴 Volunteer gardening

“I give back by creating a monarch garden and maintaining it, the past 2 years, on the full southside of the Edgerton Public Library. The monarch lady, Lori Ainsworth, said she can grow monarch butterflies but needed help growing milkweed and other flowers to attract them. She brings in baby caterpillars to library indoor display, so kids can watch them eat milkweed leaves, create crystalis, and become a monarch butterfly!” — Ann U.

💸 Donating money

“Today I donated $100 to our local food bank, which is an organization I volunteer at twice monthly . I also gave $1000. to the Neighborhood Free Health Center in Stoughton, an organization I believe does awesome work caring for those who have little or no health coverage. I believe it’s important for all of us who have the ability to share our gifts, should!” — Julie S.

You all are truly amazing! It is so awesome to see the ways my fellow Wisconsinites are making a difference in their communities. 💙

11 Wisconsin organizations that need your help this winter

By Dorothy Scott

Winter is the most wonderful time of the year, or so the old adage goes. The bright, multi-colored twinkling lights are alluring, and the holiday magic can feel contagious. Wisconsin’s magical winter festivals even bring people together in fun ways. Yet for many, the cold months are among the toughest times of the year. As with practically every other facet of life, socioeconomic class plays a pivotal role in how well many people perceive and experience not only the holidays but also winter generally.

1. Firefly Acres Horse Farm

Oneida’s Firefly Acres Horse Farm is seeking volunteers to help feed horses this winter. You can sign up for one-hour time slots on Volunteer Wisconsin to connect with the animals, but keep in mind that there’s an age floor of 16 for this volunteer position.

2. Habitat for Humanity of Dane County

Home to Madison, Dane County is home to many people, and Habitat for Humanity is here to help bring people and housing together. The organization constructs and repairs homes year-round, but we all know that winter can be particularly hard on homes. 

3. Milwaukee Community Crossroads Emergency Food Pantry

Keeping people fed is important in general, but especially during the cold months when other aspects of life can become increasingly difficult. Enter the Milwaukee Community Crossroads Emergency Food Pantry, an amazing resource that helps community members in the city fill their fridges and cupboards.

4. Sheboygan County Food Bank

Another food service in need is the Sheboygan County Food Bank, which is seeking volunteers to help pick up and transport food between the food bank at Evergreen Park between Nov. 27 and Dec. 31.

5. Coulee Region Humane Society

It’s no secret that humane societies are often busiest during the winter. Many animals are brought to shelters after being found in the cold, and others come to shelters after folks adopt them for holidays before realizing they don’t actually want pets.

How to support conservation efforts in our state

One thing about Wisconsinites is that we have always taken pride in our land. Whether it’s the winding rivers that span the state or a family-owned farm, the Wisconsin landscapes are what make our state special.

Across the Badger State, neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations are doing hands-on work to protect the land that makes our state special. Here are some state-wide organizations helping in these efforts:

🌱 WisCorps

Based in La Crosse, this organization focuses on engaging young adults in hands-on service opportunities that benefit Wisconsin’s public lands.

🌱 Gathering Waters

This organization supports more than 40 Wisconsin land trusts, helping protect Wisconsin’s natural resources, including forests, prairies, and farmlands.

🌱 Green Lake Conservancy

A small, volunteer-only land trust that is dedicated to the preservation of the land and water in the Green Lake watershed.

🌱 Southern Wisconsin Land Conservancy

SWLC’s work focuses on protecting the lands of Southern Wisconsin through conservation, connection, advocacy, and education.

🌱 Groundswell Conservancy

A nonprofit, community-based organization, Groundswell Conservancy works to address the climate crisis, connect people with nature, and conserve wildlife habitats.

🌱 Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund

As a public-private partnership between the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this fund creates permanent support for the management of lands loved by Wisconsinites.

Things to remember about staying warm this winter

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find myself thinking I’m invincible to Wisconsin winters.

“I’ve spent my whole life in Wisconsin winters—I know how to handle the cold!”

Famous last words, right?

Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes this season, gearing up for a snowy Lambeau Field night, or just heading to your local supper club, here are some winter wellness tips to keep in mind throughout the season:

➡️ Prepare an emergency kit
Wisconsin winters and winter storms can bring various risks. One way to be prepared is to have an emergency kit prepared in your home and vehicle.

➡️ Dress and layer appropriately when outdoors
Wisconsin winters can bring extremely low temperatures, causing frostbite or hypothermia in minutes to exposed skin. It’s important to check the temperature before going outside.

➡️ Keep active
Even in the winter, staying active is important for physical and mental health. Regular physical activity has many benefits, including boosting immune function, improving strength, and more.

➡️ Watch your indoor air quality
Using fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not properly ventilated.

How are you thinking about giving back this season? If something here inspired you—or if you’ve got your own approach—we’d love to hear it. Hit reply and share! 💌

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