Traverse City Record-Eagle

Columns

April 3, 2009

Northern Notes: Angels help neighbors

A large number of "angels" work and live in Leelanau County. Just ask Jane Nichols, president of the Leelanau Christian Neighbors.

"When the economy began its nose dive, Leelanau Christian Neighbors, along with other agencies, didn't know whether or not we would be able to meet the needs of those who came to us for help," Jane wrote. "With the understanding and help of the media, we here at LCN have been the recipients of community support beyond what we ever anticipated."

Jane wrote that along with the upsurge in families needing food and financial help came an upsurge in giving to meet that need. Angels came in many forms including countless individuals who dropped off food at LCN's two food pantries.

"There were too many ... to mention by name, but you know who you are and your gift is humbly and gratefully acknowledged," Jane wrote.

In the past, LCN has relied on individual and church support, but in 2008 many businesses and organizations stepped up and helped support those in needed.

"At the risk of accidentally omitting a donor, I would like to thank the following organizations and businesses for their collective gifts of food, money, gifts in kind or grants," Jane wrote.

Jane would like to thank Lamplighters, Oryana Foods, Leelanau Market Place, Florine Marks, House of Hope, Community Gardens, Fresh Food Partnership, Bardenhagen Farms, United Way, Leland Women's Civic Club, Coldwell Farms, Enerdyne, O'Keefe's Firehouse Pub, TLC Tomatoes, Leland Mercantile, Leland Ladies Club, TenderCare, Carol Ants, Curves, Rotary of Suttons Bay, Gregory Farms, Suttons Bay, St. Mary's, Leelanau Montessori and Glen Lake schools, Bahle's, Front Porch, Campbell Foundation, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Larson Foundation, Edwards Home Furnishings, Carolyn Faught Flowers, Atwell Memorial Chapel, Twin Bay British Car Club, Sons of Norway, Cedar Area Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, Northport Lions Club, Genuine Leelanau, Brilliant Books, Northwest Bank employees, Hitchens' Family Foundation, Leelanau County Government Center employees and the Leland Garden Club.

Melissa Szymanski of Johannesburg supported Otsego County Habitat for Humanity in a snowmobile ride that started in Grayling.

Melissa chose the charity in memory of her grandfather Albert Kassuba and rode her snowmobile 100 miles. She raised more than $3,800 for Habitat for Humanity.

Otsego County Habitat for Humanity wrote to thank Melissa for the time and effort she put into this event. Proceeds will go toward Habitat's house #16, which is nearing completion.

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