Help is here for Leelanau County families facing dire needs. Leelanau Christian Neighbors (LCN) just received a grant of over $100,000 from the Leelanau Township Community Foundation (LTCF), which it will use to help supply the food bank and baby pantry at 7322 East Duck Lake Road in Lake Leelanau and to work directly with those having financial hardships caused by the pandemic.

During the month of April, LTCF put out an appeal to raise $30,000 to be matched by another $30,000. So far over $70,000 in donations has been received from members of the community, making the total over $100,000 with the matching grant. “We never imagined this response,” says LTCF Executive Director, Joan Moore. “Oh my gosh, donations kept coming in. Nobody had any idea this would happen.”

“We are overwhelmingly humbled with the support,” says LCN Executive Director, Mary Stanton. “Families have been hit hard with the impact of the virus—people who have been laid off and have not yet received their unemployment or stimulus funds. We do expect that there will be an increase, too, as these federal and state stimulus dollars stop and jobs are not back to normal.”

She adds, “These dollars will take some of the burden off the shoulders of many. Being able to afford to live in Leelanau County is hard on its own but losing work can be devastating. Paying bills for someone is a safety net but also it gives people hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

In addition to easing the burden of rent, utilities, or car payments, LCN team members also provide pre-packed food bags and diapers at the food pantry. Stanton says helping moms-to-be receive the baby gear they need is immensly rewarding: “Being pregnant and thinking about delivery is enough so we are thankful we can ease their mind a bit.”  

Leelanau Township Community Foundation is marking its 75th year and has a mission of boosting the quality of life for people who live and work in Leelanau County. LCN began in 1987 as a collaborative effort by 13 churches to help families in the region. Find information about its programs here. If you are in need of financial assistance, call 231-994-2271 and leave a message. A team member from Leelanau Christian Neighbors will follow up directly.