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On August 4th, we had our annual Backpack Program event! We were able to provide over 500 backpacks and 40 haircuts to students in the ELANCO community.
Because of the many donors who contributed backpacks and school supplies, each student was able to choose a backpack they loved and head back to school with all the supplies they need to succeed. |
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Summer Nights Dinner and Auction |
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Our Summer Nights Dinner and Auction was held on August 22nd. This year's event looked a little different as we moved things indoors due to the weather, but that didn't stop us from having a wonderful evening filled with fellowship, laughter, great music, and delicious food!
Thank you to those of you who came out to support CrossNet. Your support and generosity makes it possible for CrossNet to continue serving and making a difference in our community! |
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As the school year begins again, we wrapped up another successful Summer Lunches Program!
From June through August, CrossNet distributed 11,305 lunches to students in our community. Our Food Pantry staff and volunteers worked hard to make this program possible, and their hard work and dedication blessed so many families throughout the summer. We are incredibly grateful for each person who helped out this summer!
On the final Summer Lunch pick-up day, we were excited to have Hen House Grilling serving hot dogs to students and families as they came to pick up their lunches!
A huge thank you to Hen House Grilling and to everyone who helped make this summer's program a success. We are so thankful for our community coming together to care for local families! |
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Our Winter Coat Program is coming up on October 10th! We are currently collecting brand new winter coats, hats, and gloves for students in the ELANCO community.
This year's event will also include fun fall fest activities like pumpkin painting, face painting, refreshments, and more! |
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Letter from the Executive Director |
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Dear Friends of CrossNet Ministries,
As we step into a new season, I am grateful for the ways God continues to guide and grow the ministry of CrossNet. This month, I’m excited to share several meaningful updates that reflect His provision and the momentum building across our programs.
We are celebrating new additions to our Youth Pillar, a part of our ministry that continues to expand in both depth and reach. Recently, we welcomed Mike Vargas, who joins us as a Youth Program Manager serving students in grades 6–12. Mike brings valuable experience from crisis management, and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in biblical studies at Lancaster Bible College. We are also thrilled to welcome Christina Sawyer as our Youth Program Manager for Pre‑K through 5th grade. Christina’s background in education and her many years of service in children’s ministry make her a wonderful fit for this role. Additionally, Natalie Smith has transitioned into a new position as Youth Operations Director, where she will oversee strategic direction and processes for the entire pillar. I am deeply encouraged to see this team come together, united in their desire to help young people learn about Jesus, grow in confidence, and experience care through CrossNet.
As summer winds down and students return to school, we have been prayerfully considering new ways to strengthen the connection between CrossNet and our local school district. One opportunity emerging from these conversations is the possibility of developing an after‑school program for 6th–12th graders. This idea is still in its early stages, but it reflects our desire to meet real needs and create meaningful spaces for youth to belong, learn, and thrive. We ask for your prayers as we discern next steps, troubleshoot challenges, and seek God’s wisdom in shaping what this program could become.
Finally, I am delighted to share that CrossNet has once again been blessed by a circle of generous donors who have pledged $150,000 in matching funds for our fall fundraising campaign. This has been a tremendous gift in past years, multiplying the impact of every gift and strengthening our ability to serve families across the ELANCO community. We are grateful for those who have stepped forward to make this possible again. Please consider donating to the October Match and double your gift.
We are also looking forward to hosting the next ELANCO Community Collaboration, a gathering of local leaders, businesses, organizations, clubs, and neighbors who care deeply about the wellbeing of our community. These meetings, held three times a year, create space for people to share what is happening in their corner of the world and to explore how we can work together in meaningful, collaborative ways. You are warmly invited to join us for the upcoming Collaboration on October 21 at 7:30 a.m. in the CrossNet Youth Center. We believe these conversations strengthen the fabric of our community, and we would be grateful to have your voice in the room.
Thank you for your continued prayers, partnership, and encouragement. Your support allows CrossNet to meet needs, share hope, and walk alongside our neighbors with compassion and faith. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to all God will continue to do through this ministry. With gratitude, Allison
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Food Collection at the New Holland Parade
CrossNet Ministries will be in the New Holland Parade again this year! Help us fill our van with donations for our Food Pantry! Items we will be collecting during the parade are:
- ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, canned meat, canned fruit, cereal, dried beans, rice, pasta, gravy packets, cake/brownie mix, and crackers
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October Match Throughout the month of October, every dollar donated to CrossNet will be matched, doubling the impact of your generosity. Together, our community can unlock $150,000 in matching funds and create $300,000 of impact for the ELANCO community. Stay tuned for more information on how you can be involved! |
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Winter Coat Program
Our 2026 Winter Coat Program is taking place on Saturday, October 10th!
ELANCO students who participate in the Free & Reduced Lunch Program are invited to choose from new or gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves to help stay warm for the winter months!
Location: CrossNet Ministries |
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Community Collaboration Meeting You are invited to join us for the next ELANCO Community Collaboration meeting on October 21st at 7:30am. This meeting of local leaders, businesses, organizations, clubs, and neighbors will be held in the CrossNet Youth Center. |
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2027 CrossNet Banquet
Mark your calendars for our annual CrossNet Banquet on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2027. Stay tuned for more information! |
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Upcoming Donation Needs: Winter Coat Program
- Brand new winter coats, hats, and gloves for our Winter Coat Program
Food Collection at the New Holland Parade
- ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, canned meat, canned fruit, cereal, dried beans, rice, pasta, gravy packets, cake/brownie mix, and crackers
Fall Fest Items:
- pumpkins, hay bales, fall decor
If you are interested in donating fall fest items, please contact corrine@elancocross.org
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Upcoming Volunteer Needs:
- Female drivers or a married couple to assist with transportation for women in our community
- Childcare Volunteers
- Clothing Ministry Volunteers
- Male Teen Mentors
- Cross Jr. Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact kim@elancocross.org
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Join CrossCares! By signing up for CrossCares, you’ll receive occasional emails with an Amazon wish list of items we may be in need of for our participants, programs, or facility. Things like paper products, children's items, office supplies and more. It would be a blessing to us and our community to be able meet some of these everyday needs through your generosity. |
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Follow us on social media to keep up with all the things going on around CrossNet! |
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