More than $2.8 million raised over 10 years for Warm Hearts

Umpqua Bank is proud to have raised $343,966 during our 2024 Warm Hearts Winter Drive, for a grand total of over $2.8 million since the fundraiser’s inception in 2015. We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our communities, customers and sponsors, and the tireless effort and passion of our associates.  

This year’s campaign focused on sharing warmth with those in need: families living in their car, spending the little money they have on gas to run the engine for heat; single parents trying to feed and protect young children; and those who have escaped one difficult or dangerous situation only to find themselves in another. Harsh winter temperatures don’t care.

We care. Our communities care.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, more than 100 partner shelters are better able to clothe, house, assist and improve the lives of local individuals and families struggling with homelessness.

Associates go all-in for local shelters

During the Warm Hearts Winter Drive, online and in-branch cash donations were collected, along with new warm coats, hats, gloves and other winter essentials. Umpqua Bank “teams” also made it their mission throughout the drive to raise money through contests, events and more. The Port Orchard, Washington branch had a “guess how many” candy jar for anyone who donated. The Kent, Washington branch hosted a coat drive with Western Hockey League champs Seattle Thunderbirds   at the ShoWare Center arena and collected six barrels of new warm winter coats. A Central Point, Oregon customer even donated handmade knit hats for their local shelter.

Elf on the Shelf escapades, coloring and trivia contests and matching gift competitions helped associates get into the holiday spirit and “win” even more for their team.

An associate favorite, the Ugly Sweater Contest, had teams donating $5 for the privilege of  being photographed in their best ugly sweater for a social media photo album. The photo with the most “likes” won money toward the shelter of their choice.

The need continues

Resources are up, but so are number of those who are without a home. More people than ever are experiencing homelessness for the first time. From 2019-2023, the number of people who entered emergency shelter for the first time increased more than 23 percent. Some factors contributing to this increase include rising housing costs, immigration and the end of COVID-19 relief programs. 

This year’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive partnered with 109 local shelters to help those struggling to get through the difficult winter months. Each dollar helped to provide a nutritious meal, a warm coat or blanket or a safe place to spend the night. Many of our partner shelters also offer additional support services to help their clients become more resilient and break the cycle of homelessness.

For more information about this year’s drive, visit warmheartswinterdrive.com.