Open Letter: How Missoula and Western Montana Stepped Up in a Big Way This Season

Dear Missoula and Western Montana Communities, 

Thank you! The generosity you continue to show at this time of year is truly amazing. There have been so many examples of our community stepping up to help others.  

Record-Breaking Food Drives Across Missoula

The 31st Annual Guerrilla Turkey Drive saw some amazing numbers, both in the number of turkeys we collected and the money that was donated to the food banks. 

READ MORE: Montana’s real THANKSgiving- You Did It Again!

The “Can the Cats” food drive set records this year, with the Missoula area donating over 1,000,000 lbs. of food/money for the first time in the program’s history, beating Bozeman in the friendly competition.  

The Red Cross “Blood Battle” saw the University of Montana donate 93 pints of blood, to Montana State University’s 80 pints. This is the first time in three years the Griz beat the Cats in blood donations.  

Community Donors Step Up for Local Kids

The annual KYSSMas for Kids event was a huge success in helping kids do some holiday shopping. They are currently counting donations, but as of now, the total is north of $140,000. 

READ MORE: Missoula Donations Drive KYSSMAS to New Record

Not every act of giving has to be huge. Sometimes it’s as simple as a free Christmas tree or a warm pair of gloves. For anyone who’s looking for those things, you can get them at the First Presbyterian Church on South 5th Street in Missoula. 

Free Trees and Warm Gear for Anyone in Need

In front of the church on 5th Street is their “Warming Tree” filled with gloves, scarves, and hats for anyone who needs them. Behind the church on 6th Street is a trailer offering free Christmas trees.  

These are just a few examples that remind me of how giving our community is and make me appreciate living here even more.  

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Thank you again, Western Montana, for your generosity! 

Sincerely, 

Chris Wolfe