During April, which is Volunteer Appreciation Month, selfless souls who give time to local organizations are remembered and thanked, but Meghan Ervine, director of marketing and communications with CrossNet Ministries, notes that sentiment is extended throughout the year. "We always appreciate (our volunteers)," noted Ervine, who presented statistics showing the number of area residents who are helped yearly by the ministry. "(This is) the impact volunteers have on the ELANCO community and CrossNet," she pointed out. "This couldn't happen without the support of volunteers. It really does take a community."

Indeed, housing 14 families, providing 593 rides, serving 245 students enrolled in youth center programs, and offering 13,358 pounds of food to 617 individuals each month (and these are just a few of the statistics) are among the many accomplishments of the CrossNet staff members and 835 volunteers - approximately 14% of the population of New Holland.

According to Ervine, volunteers come to the ministry in a number of ways. Many are invited to attend the organization's yearly banquet and sign on to help after learning more about CrossNet's mission to offer help and hope in the name of Christ. Others join the volunteer team through word of mouth. "We have certain volunteers that have been with us for years, and their families get involved," said Ervine, who noted that newspapers and social media reach different generations and that local businesses and churches send teams to community events such as the coat giveaway or Christmas gift program. "We are always looking for businesses and churches that will host collection bins (for community events)," said Ervine. One business that has found a unique way to volunteer is Iron Mountains, LLC. "Iron Mountains, LLC has been volunteering with CrossNet for four years," noted Ervine. "Every June they send out a team to help with various service projects at CrossNet. They have been a consistent business that sends their employees to volunteer with us, and we've greatly benefited from this partnership." Ervine noted that this model may work well for other local businesses, especially during summer.

One area where CrossNet is in need of volunteers is the transportation program, which provides rides for both adults and children. For adult riders, requests from women are sent to female drivers and from men to male drivers. All transportation volunteers must have had their driving records checked, and they must have undergone the required clearances. Sandy Lindsey, transportation volunteer, likes being part of a continuing mission. "I love that CrossNet has always focused on the community here, and reaching the people within the community. That has always been their mission," she stated.

Investing time in the youths of New Holland often reaps unexpected rewards for volunteers. Chelsea Weaver has seen this happen firsthand. "Volunteering with CrossNet has impacted and strengthened my faith. It has shown me God's heart for us and for the students. He really pursues us and loves us," she said. Youth center volunteers must be at least 21 years old and are required to have all necessary clearances to work with youths. They also must complete an onboarding process, which includes an evening of training. Volunteers are needed Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

The CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center is in need of volunteers to pick up food program donations at area locations, including stores and farms that donate to the food pantry. The pickup days vary each month. Food items that are picked up are then delivered to the back door of the Food and Nutrition Center at 127 W. Franklin St., New Holland. Volunteer Gene Skulrak serves CrossNet in this way, and he sees how his part impacts the whole. "There is a great need in our community, and we are all blessed with special talents from the Lord," he stated. "I want to be part of something that is big, and this is big."

Area residents interested in volunteering with CrossNet may email kim@elancocross.org or call 717-355-2454 and ask for Kim to be walked through the onboarding process.