According to Lisa Kerstetter, director of marketing and events with CrossNet Ministries, the connection between the organization and Anchored Ministries in Elverson began in the spring of 2018 with a weekly newsletter called the Macaroni Kid. Barbara Vargas, then the editor of the newsletter, reached out to CrossNet. "(She) mentioned a clothing ministry," recalled Kerstetter, noting that the ministry was Anchored Ministries. Kerstetter soon met with Erika Kanter, director of Anchored Ministries, and in late summer 2018, the two ministries partnered for CrossNet's annual backpack giveaway, with Kanter bringing a clothing trailer to the event.

Now, the two ministries partner regularly for the community meal at CrossNet Ministries held the fourth Monday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the CrossNet Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland. A clothing trailer from Anchored will also be at the Blue Ball Elementary Community Connection event on Thursday, May 6, at the school on Ewell Road in East Earl from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The trailer will also be present at three upcoming CrossNet events at the youth center, including the 2021 backpack giveaway on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the winter coat giveaway on Monday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the Christmas gift giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Anchored story began in 2016 when Kanter was studying fashion and praying for God to use her. "I wanted to be the hands and feet, so I prayed for direction," recalled Kanter, who saw God tap into her love of clothing by giving her a passion to put clothing in the hands of the homeless and others who could not afford it. "One day, I decided to collect clothing and take it to the streets of Reading and hand it out," stated Kanter, who borrowed a trailer and took 82 boxes of clothing to the city to give away. "In July 2017, we received a trailer," reported Kanter. The ministry now has four trailers, including one sporting air conditioning and heat. The inside of each trailer has been converted to hold clothing on racks, and each one is stocked with clothing for newborns through adults, along with shoes, toiletries, and blankets. Personal shoppers are available to help find sizes and styles. Kanter said that the trailers are at events between four and eight times per month.

Anchored is more than a clothing ministry. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which is located at 40 S. Chestnut St., Elverson, recently worked with Twin Valley School District to provide Easter baskets and meals to 21 families and 60 children. Hoping to fashion Anchored on the CrossNet model, the organization holds a backpack giveaway, Christmas gift giving program, free community meals, and more.

CrossNet now accepts clothing for Anchored Ministries at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland, on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kanter noted that clothing should be clean and in good condition without blemishes or excessive wear. Shoes, blankets, and accessories are also accepted along with toiletries.

More information about Anchored Ministries may be found at http://www.anchoredministries.org or by searching for "Anchored Ministries PA" on Facebook.