Neighborhood Connection offers exciting events throughout the year to raise awareness, support, and financial resources. All of these events rely on business sponsorship, generous donations, numerous volunteers, and community support and participation to be successful.  Please see descriptions of our annual events and collection drives below and contact us if you are interested in partnering or getting involved.

Watch for more specific information on each event as it draws closer.  Promotional information will be posted on our website, our Facebook page, in our community newsletter, and in other community media.

Harvesting Hope Fundraiser – SOLD OUT

5:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour, 6:00 p.m. Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Program

Friday, September 18, 2026
Waunakee Village Center
333 S. Madison St., Waunakee

BBQ, live blues music, and connecting with friends in support of our community members. Our VIP option includes a meet and greet with Wisconsin Football legend Ron Dayne.

“Fill The Bus” School Supply Collection
July – August 2026 

Waunakee Neighborhood Connection is teaming up with Lamers Bus Lines, local churches, and area businesses to collect school supplies for students in the Waunakee Community School District. Thanks to the generosity of our community, last year we distributed school supplies to 186 Waunakee-area students. We accept all items from the Waunakee school supply lists for all grades . Personal care items like deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, disinfecting wipes, and tissues are welcome, too!

We begin collecting donations in July and our distribution event occurs in August. If you need school supplies during another time of the year, please contact our office directly for assistance.

Contact us to learn about specific needs and other ways to support this event.

Community Resource Fair 

3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Heritage Elementary School Gym
6271 Woodland Dr., Waunakee

All are invited to the Community Resource Fair! Featuring organizations from throughout Dane County, the fair provides connections to FREE social services available to anyone living in Waunakee.

School supplies are distributed on the same night to families with pre-arranged postcard invitations from the school district. 

Thank you to the following organizations who joined us in 2026. Please contact our office if you would like to be connected to any of these resources.

Waunakee Public Library

Reach Dane

DAIS

Canopy Center

Waunakee Food Pantry

Waunakee Village Center

Bridging Brighter Smiles

BHRC

Centro

Waunakee IDEA

Roots for Change

National Youth Advocates

SAAF

Lundys

Winter Coat Drive

September 14-October 2, 2026

We are now collecting new and gently used coats, snow pants, and boots in all sizes for men, women, and children.  We especially need all men’s sizes! Collection bins are located around Waunakee through October 2nd but donations will be accepted throughout the winter season at our WNC offices at 710 South St. (upstairs.) 

Holiday Wishes 

As we approach winter and the holidays, it can be especially difficult for families financially – heating bills are starting to kick in, kids have extra projects at school, an unexpected medical need arises, or the general cost of living rises. Your generosity will be a huge blessing to a family, relieving much of the burden by providing gifts they would not otherwise be able to afford. It will make a tremendous difference in the life of a grateful family right here in our community!

We invite individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to be matched with a family this holiday season. Registration for donors will begin in early October. 

Christmas Lights and Electrical Cord Recycling

During the holidays, we partner with the Waunakee School District and Ace Hardware to collect holiday lights that are no longer working.  This not only helps keep these items out of our landfills, but when recycled, provide funds that support Neighborhood Connection programs and services as well.

The collection continues year round with all types of electrical cords – extension cords, cords from electronics, unused chargers, coaxial cable and even copper piping can be placed in the collection box in Neighborhood Connection’s lobby any day we’re open for donations.

Other Annual Special Collection Drives

The following are items that we collect on an annual basis.  Hosting a drive for one or more of these items is a great way for groups and businesses to contribute to the strength of our community. To host a drive and have a Neighborhood Connection collection bin delivered to your location, please contact us.

• • • New socks for all ages/sizes
    • Blankets, quilts, and afghans
    • Home cleaning supplies (e.g., window cleaner, dish soap, sponges, bathroom cleaners)
    • Toiletries (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, shaving cream)
    • Paper products (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue)
    • Gasoline and grocery gift cards
    • Mother’s Day gifts (e.g, make-up, lotion, hair accessories, candles, bath salts)
    • Summer fun items (e.g., sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, water toys, bubbles, chalk)
    • Winter coats, hats, mittens, and boots
    • Birthday gifts valued at $20 or less, for all ages, so that clients can select a new item during their birthday month
    • Birthday bags that include cake mix, frosting, and a party favor.