This holiday season, two local nonprofits with a shared heart for community are joining forces to spread healing and happiness across Milwaukee. Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is proud to team up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee to host “Double the Drive. Double the Hope.”, a combined blood and toy drive at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Cathedral Square headquarters on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. 

In addition to strengthening our Milwaukee community by giving the gift of blood, “Double the Drive. Double the Hope.” donors can make the holidays brighter for local families by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Kids2Kids Toy Drive. Together, these simple gifts of compassion will bring comfort, joy, and healing to those who need it most during the holidays. 

This holiday event brings together three powerful forces for good — Versiti’s lifesaving mission, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentorship and youth empowerment programs, and the beloved Kids2Kids Toy Drive, founded by Kacmarcik Enterprises. The result: one joyful day where community generosity can touch lives in more ways than one. 

The December event will also mark the beginning of a continuing collaboration between the two organizations, with additional blood drives planned at the Cathedral Square location in the new year — keeping the spirit of giving alive long after the holidays. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. By connecting young people with caring mentors, BBBS helps them build confidence, achieve goals, and strengthen our community. Learn more at bbbsmilwaukee.org

“This drive reflects what Milwaukee does best — showing up for one another. It’s a way for mentors, families, and neighbors to make the holidays brighter for children while supporting patients in need of lifesaving care. We’re proud to partner with Versiti to make this season of giving even more meaningful.” 

- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee CEO Neil Willenson

Kids2Kids only accepts new and unwrapped toys for donation. The following lists are just some suggestions of toys for boys and girls: 

Sports balls, Gym/Sports/School Bags, Portable Chargers, Bluetooth Speakers, Bikes, Handheld Games, Watches, Sunglasses, Wallets, Make-Up Sets, Helmets, Costumes, Jewelry, Headphones, Stuffed Animals 

Learn more at kids2kidstoydrive.com.