Ways you can give back while shopping this weekend

ASHWAUBENON - While many spent hundreds of dollars on Christmas presents, some also spared cash to help out charities.

As shoppers eager to spend on Black Friday search for spots, a few drivers found convenient parking for a good cause across the street from Bay Park Square Mall.

"Five dollars is all it costs,” said Karen Faulkner, executive director of the Golden House domestic abuse shelter.

Shoppers could avoid the mall's lot by donating five dollars to the Golden House. Some drivers helped out even more.

"They are being really generous. More than one or two cars have gone through and given a little extra in the bucket,” said Faulkner.

Besides filling buckets, shoppers also filled the famous Salvation Army red kettles.

Associated Bank is matching the Black Friday donations, up to $10,000.

"I know it's a difficult time of year for a lot of people, but they do seem to know the spirit,” said Gayle Kendall, who works at Associated Bank. She spent her afternoon ringing bells at Bay Park Square Mall.

Charities say this is the time of year when organizations and the people they help have the greatest need.

"We've seen an increase across the board, and our goal is not to provide a band aid but to provide a solution where we can deal with the long-term issues that cause homelessness and hunger,” said Capt. Ken Shiels with the Salvation Army of Brown County.

"We've had a lot of cuts in funding, and we're trying everything we can to raise money, even standing in the cold,” said Faulkner.

The charities say they appreciate those who stopped by and gave a little holiday cheer.

The Golden House continues its parking lot fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Though the match day for Associated Bank was only on Friday, the Salvation Army kettles will remain throughout the holiday season.