Belonging Happens Here
Dear Friends,
There is something deeply meaningful about knowing you belong, not because of what you have, but simply because you are a Neighbor.
At Leelanau Christian Neighbors (LCN), belonging is at the heart of everything we do. It lives in the quiet moments: a volunteer greeting someone by name; a donor giving faithfully month after month, year after year; or a Neighbor taking the brave step of asking for help. These moments rarely make headlines, but together they shape a community where no one has to face hard seasons alone.
This year’s newsletter reflects that shared belonging, a story written not by one person or one program, but by many hands and many hearts. We are grateful, humbled, and continually inspired by the way our community shows up for one another.
You see this spirit in action every day. Recently, we made a single phone call about a family in need of two twin beds. Within a week, those beds were delivered to LCN, along with complete linen sets for each one. When a family’s car was stuck in their driveway, and they couldn’t make it to the pantry, volunteers packed boxes of food and delivered them. These are not extraordinary acts. They are simply what happens when Neighbors care for Neighbors.
We all belong to this community. And time and again, Leelanau County proves it. I am deeply thankful to live and serve in a place that says, “You belong here, and we will walk alongside you.”
Warmly, Mary Stanton
Don’t miss out on:
• Latest updates
• Inspiring stories
•
• Volunteer & fundraising opportunities
COMMUNITY DRIVES THE WORK WE DO
Belonging is to be heard.
We don’t decide our programs in isolation. We listen to what our Neighbors are experiencing, what volunteers are seeing, and what our community is asking for. Needs change, and so must we — thoughtfully and together.
Because of that shared listening, LCN continues to respond in ways that are both compassionate and responsible. Whether it’s housing stability, food access, financial assistance, or supportive resources, our work reflects the real lives of the people we serve — shaped by voices from across our community.
SAMARITANS’ CLOSET EXPANDING
In response to the needs we’ve heard across our community, LCN is opening a second Samaritans’ Closet in Empire— improving access to affordable goods and creating a convenient west-side donation center. Renovations are underway, with donations expected mid-May and a Memorial Day weekend opening planned. Proceeds will stay local, supporting all of LCN’s programs.
Interested in volunteering or donating to the Empire location? As soon as we officially open we look forward to accepting your gently used treasures.
RESPONDING TO HOUSING NEEDS
As we listened to growing concerns about affordable housing across our community, LCN took meaningful steps to respond. In July 2025, we expanded our Affordable Housing Initiative with the purchase of two homes in Maple City — a two-bedroom and a threebedroom — helping address the need for attainable, stable housing.
Managed in partnership with HomeStretch, these properties provide safe, below-market rental opportunities for individuals and families. Through efforts like this, LCN is working to ensure that Neighbors can continue to live, work, and belong in the community they call home.
Samaritans’ Closet Empire 11840 S Lacore Road, Empire
Both Locations Open Tues - Fri 10am-5pm & Sat 10am-3pm
Follow us on Facebook for updates and specials!
VOLUNTEERS: THE HEARTBEAT OF LCN TIME GIVEN
IS LOVE IN ACTION
Volunteers are the heartbeat of LCN.
They stock shelves, greet neighbors, sort donations, lend skills, and bring consistency and kindness day after day. Many return week after week, year after year, forming relationships that matter deeply.
Volunteerism is one of the clearest expressions of belonging — choosing to step in, to care, and to be present. We are endlessly grateful for the generosity of time, talent, and heart that our volunteers give so faithfully.
There’s something powerful about showing up for others—and realizing they’re showing up for you, too. That’s what belonging feels like.
In February, 110 neighbors shared their experiences. Overall, LCN received a service rating of 4.95 out of 5. The survey reaffirms that our staff and volunteers are seen as kind and welcoming.
To see full survey results, scan the QR code:
WAYS TO SUPPORT
GIFTS OF CASH GIFTS OF STOCKS
MATCHING GIFTS
GIFT RETIREMENT ASSETS
HOST AN EVENT PLANNED GIVING
STEPHEN S. STANTON ENDOWMENT FUND
DONORS: TRUST THAT SUSTAINS OUR WORK
GENEROSITY THAT CREATES STABILITY AND HOPE
Our donors make it possible for LCN to be here when neighbors need us most.
Your generosity allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. It provides stability, dignity, and hope. Whether gifts are large or small, one-time or ongoing, each one is an expression of care for this community and a belief that neighbors matter.
During last fall’s uncertainty around SNAP benefits, our community showed up in a powerful way. As concerns grew about the potential loss of support for our neighbors, donations of food, time, and financial resources poured in. We are continually humbled by the trust our community places in LCN to respond with care and compassion, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
We hold this trust with humility and deep responsibility. Because of you, help is available when it’s needed — and hope is never out of reach.
To learn more about the different ways to give back to your neighbors, scan this QR code:
BUSINESS
PARTNERS BELONG HERE, TOO
Local businesses help make LCN’s work possible. Through sponsorships, donations, and services, our business partners support programs that care for neighbors in need. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to compassion and community, strengthening the connections that help Leelanau County thrive.
Scan the QR code to learn more about becoming a business partner with LCN.
LEELANAU COUNTY BY AIDING THOSE WITH INADEQUATE RESOURCES.
COURAGE,
STRENGTH, AND SHARED HUMANITY
2025 IN NUMBERS
16,600+
HOURS VOLUNTEERED
We are able to provide all of our programs because of the amazing help of over 275 volunteers.
SAMARITANS’ CLOSET
$540,000+
in sales in our resale store enable us to increase our impact in Leelanau County and reduce landfill.
BABY PANTRY
23,562
diapers distributed to families each month in addition to snacks, formula, clothing, toys, baby gear and hygiene essentials.
FOOD PANTRY
7,609
families provided with shelf stable, high protein and fresh produce items along with personal hygiene products.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
$176,119
in financial aid provided to support families facing emergencies - covering rent, utilities, transportation, and medical needs.
Those who come through LCN’s doors bring courage with them.
Asking for help is not easy. It requires strength, vulnerability, and trust. We are honored each time a neighbor allows us to walk beside them during a challenging season.
Belonging means being met with respect, compassion, and understanding — without judgment. It means knowing that you are not alone, and that your community cares deeply about your well-being.
I’ve been coming to the pantry for 8 months and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all of you. Everyone is so nice. When I first started coming we had been going without food for many days during the week. I can hardly believe not only the amount of food you give me but also the quality of the produce. I don’t know what we would do without you!
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
8,788 SNACKS
3,779 BACKPACKS
were distributed to the six Leelanau County schools that are served through this vital program. Last fall we piloted the Athletic “Kit Bag” program and partnered with LIFT to reach more than 250 of our food insecure teens in Leelanau County. The average annual cost is $430 per student.
DID YOU KNOW?
Food-insecure teens often hide their hunger and face “impossible choices,” such as skipping meals to feed younger siblings or engaging in risky behavior to secure food. Many also experience increased rates of anxiety and depression. Together, we can ensure every teen feels seen, supported, and cared for. Your gift helps make that possible.
Source: Feeding
A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP
Belonging is not abstract — it is visible.
It looks like shelves stocked by volunteers, meals shared, rent assistance that keeps a family housed, a warm welcome on a difficult day. It looks like neighbors helping neighbors in ways both seen and unseen.
This year, the impact of LCN’s programs reflects what is possible when a community comes together with shared purpose. We are thankful beyond words for the compassion that continues to ripple outward from this collective effort.
In August, Northport Lions Club fired up the grill and provided hot dogs, chips and cookies to community members.
Our annual fundraiser is always a memorable and fun event - the 2025 Run for the Roses, a Kentucky Derby themed event, was no exception. Community members raised over $45,000 to support our vital programs.
Our furry neighors dressed up and brought their humans out for a walk in the Northport Dog Parade.
7322 E. Duck Lake Road (M-204) | P.O. Box 196
Lake Leelanau, Michigan 49653
Phone: (231) 994-2271 leelanauchristianneighbors.org
SERVING RESIDENTS OF LEELANAU COUNTY, MICHIGAN
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and hope.
Next year we will celebrate 40 years of serving our neighbors together — a milestone made possible only because of the countless people who have believed in this mission over the decades. This year stands firmly in the middle of that story, reminding us that the work continues, and belonging is something we build every day.
Thank you for being part of LCN. Thank you for showing up, for caring, and for believing that together, we can continue to strengthen our community — one neighbor at a time.
BOARD MEMBERS
President: Charlie Bumb
Vice President: Mark Forbes
Secretary: Bob Laba
Treasurer: Don Gregory
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Carol Bawden
Jack Dunn
Jeff Hamilton
Maureen Hensel
Bob Hetler
Joe Hubbell
Kathy Laba
Susan McGalliard
Pat Mulcahy
Kyle Russell
Executive Director: Mary Stanton
Financial Coordinator: Alyssa Stowe
Program Support: Todd Schorer
TEAM LEADERS
Food Pantry: Anneke Wegman-Plamondon
Juliet Hafford
Barbara Trippe
Bill Crackel
Julie Morris
Lori Oberson
Baby Pantry: Jeannie Coulter
Julie Morris
Blessings in a Backpack:
Diane Hamilton
Kris Fishman
Kim Armbruster
Financial Assistannce: Juliet Hafford
Anneke Wegman-Plamondon
Samaritans’ Closet:
Sydney Begeman, Flagship Manager
Lori Begeman, Sales Associate
Lori Wolf, Sales Associate
James Gerndt, Empire Manager