Newsletter 2026 V3 Article - Season of Giving
The season begins with Will Bike 4 Food, an annual cycling event benefiting the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The Food Bank partners with nearly 200 local food pantries, meal sites, and shelters, providing the equivalent of more than 1 million meals each month to neighbors across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. Since 2020, Team UMassFive has raised more than $27,000 to help fight food insecurity through this event. If you would like to support our riders, visit Team UMassFive’s fundraising page.
Plus, through December 31, members can donate directly to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts using UMassFive Online Banking. Simply visit the Make a Transfer page and select Donate to participate. Every contribution helps provide nutritious food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity throughout our region.
Team UMassFive will also launch its annual cancer fundraising campaign this fall by participating in the Baystate Rays of Hope Walk & Run in Springfield. This year marks a new chapter in our community giving as we transition our fundraising efforts to this local organization, which supports breast cancer care, research, education, and patient services. Best of all, every dollar raised stays in Western Massachusetts, helping local patients and families throughout their cancer journey. In addition to fundraising, employees and their families will participate by walking, running, and volunteering at the event.
From October 1 through November 12, community members are invited to help keep our neighbors warm through the fall and winter by donating new or gently used coats and winter accessories at our Hadley, Northampton, and Springfield branches. Donations will be distributed through our nonprofit partners, Amherst Survival Center and The Gray House, helping individuals and families stay warm throughout the winter.
Want to help us choose another organization to support?
At UMassFive, giving back is at the heart of what we do, and we want your input! Help us decide which local nonprofit organizations will be featured as our 2027 charitable giving partners.We are accepting nominations for a charity that members can make donations to directly through online banking.
Visit umassfive.coop/giving to nominate. Enter the name of an organization in the form, then tell us why you believe UMassFive should support its mission. Your feedback will help us better understand the impact these organizations have on our members.
Voting closes on December 18, 2026. Based on member feedback, three nonprofit organizations will be selected as UMassFive’s 2027 charitable giving partners. Members will be able to donate to these organizations directly through Online Banking throughout 2027.
Whether you’re supporting an employee fundraiser, donating a winter coat, or making an online gift, every act of generosity helps strengthen our community. Thank you for helping make UMassFive’s Season of Giving a success.