Service brings us closer — this season and beyond.
As the holiday season approaches, Concordia University Wisconsin invites students, faculty and staff to share the spirit of Christ through service. Below are several meaningful ways to give back to our local and global communities this November and December.
Food drives
Student Nurses Association (SNA) Food Drive for Hunger Task Force
Dates: Nov. 10 to 21
Location: Collection boxes by grade level
Support Milwaukee’s only free and local food bank, the Hunger Task Force, Wisconsin’s anti-hunger leader. When donating, please choose healthy, shelf-stable foods such as:
- Whole-grain, sugar-free cereals or oatmeal
- Canned vegetables (no salt added)
- Canned fruits (no sugar added or packed in natural juices)
- Low-fat dairy foods and lean meats
- Peanut butter
Each box corresponds with a grade level to make it a fun competition — the grade that donates the most items will win a prize!
Latino Student Union & Sodexo Non-Perishable Food Drive
Dates: Nov. 12 to 25
Location: Donation containers inside the cafeteria
Join the Latino Student Union and Sodexo in their mission to support families in need this holiday season. Bring non-perishable food items and drop them in the collection bins located inside the cafeteria.
For the children
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party (Samaritan’s Purse)
Date: Thursday, Nov. 13 | Time: 4–5 p.m.
Location: Terrace Room
Join us to help spread joy to children around the world by packing Christmas gift boxes. Bring small toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, and toothbrushes to include in the boxes. Every item helps brighten a child’s Christmas morning.
School of Education Graduate Counseling Program: Clothing Drive
Dates: Nov. 17 to Dec. 23
Location: Donation bins inside the School of Education office (Rincker 110), open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Help provide warmth and comfort this winter by donating new or gently used clothing for Ozaukee County foster care children. Your donation will bring hope and encouragement to children in need this season.
Angel Tree spreads generosity
Dates: Nov. 25 to Dec. 8
Locations: Chapel of Christ Triumphant and Pharmacy Building
Every year, Concordia has the opportunity to bring Christmas cheer to children through the Angel Tree program. This year, CUW is partnering with St. Peter-Immanuel Lutheran School to provide gifts for every student at their school (roughly 200 students).
Angels are available to pick up on the Christmas tree located in the back of the chapel or in the Pharmacy Building, and can be picked up at any time — please select as many as you wish. Also, write your name on the sheet next to the name of your angel to indicate when a child’s gift is received. (The sign-ups are arranged by grade level.)
We want to ensure that every student at St. Peter gets at least one Christmas present this year. Please keep presents to around $25.
Please securely attach your angel to your gift and drop it off in the back of the chapel in the box underneath the corresponding grade of the student. Please have the presents wrapped and in the chapel by Monday, Dec. 8.
If you have any questions, please email madeline.bryant@cuw.edu.
Feeding Starving Children Event
Join the CUW community in supporting Feed My Starving Children, a hands-on service event where volunteers pack nutritious meals for children around the world. This is a powerful way to serve as the hands and feet of Christ — making a global impact right from campus!
Over 500 volunteers and $30,000 are needed to host this event March 18–20, 2026. To learn more about how you can support or volunteer, visit here.
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9
Add Your Service Project
If you have a service project you would like added to this article, please email Director of Communications, Sue Suleski, at susan.suleski@cuw.edu. We’d love to help spread the word about how CUW students are making a difference this holiday season!
Want in?
CUW is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.