Prayz Network

Arbor Vitae, WI — Harvest season is here, and Lakeland Pantry is asking local gardeners, community growers, and anyone with extra homegrown produce to help nourish neighbors in need through its Grow A Row initiative.

Community members with surplus tomatoes, zucchini, beans, fruits, herbs, or other fresh garden produce are encouraged to donate their extra harvest rather than let it go to waste. Donations will help provide Lakeland Pantry customers with fresh, nutritious ingredients for healthy, delicious meals.

“At Lakeland Pantry, we believe in the power of community and in neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lakeland Pantry representatives. “The Grow A Row campaign is a simple, meaningful way for gardeners to share abundance and make a direct difference for local families.”

Produce donations may be dropped off at Lakeland Pantry, 1707 US-51, Arbor Vitae, WI during regular donation hours:

• Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Thursdays: 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Produce may also be delivered during business hours to JJ’s Acres, 9436 Co. Hwy J, Woodruff, or Stoney Creek Home and Garden, 7560 Poplar Dr., Minocqua.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps put healthy food on the tables of neighbors in need. Whether gardeners have a surplus of vegetables, fruits, or herbs, their contributions will help ensure local households have access to fresh, nourishing options throughout the growing season.

For more information about donating produce through Grow A Row, contact Lakeland Pantry at lakelandpantry@hyfinc.org or stop by during donation hours.  For more information on the Lakeland Pantry or to donate please visit lakelandpantry.com.

It’s all about “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”.

Prison Fellowship Ministry is seeking volunteers in southwest Wisconsin.

The Jackson Correctional Institute in Black River Falls is a men’s medium security facility that is part of the Prison Fellowship Ministry, and is currently hosting a Bible Study each Monday Night. They generally have 30 to 40 inmates that attend the Bible study with 2 volunteers. They are currently seeking new volunteers that can serve after completing the training and the security orientation required. The commitment for this usually is 1 to 2 times a month for 1 hour each. The first 15 minutes of the hour is spent praising the Lord in song with the remainder spent reading the chapter for that day and discussing the content with questions and input from inmates and volunteers. A great need would be for someone with piano or guitar experience to add their talents to this time, up to now acapella has worked well too. 

Another opportunity for involvement is the Prison Fellowship Academy program, this is a more intensive level of commitment of 1.5 to 2 hours a week working with a team to help inmates break the cycle of crime and one day re-enter society to be productive members of the community. 

If you are interested in serving with Prison Fellowship Ministry, visit their website, or contact Mark Wingard at 715-284-2618 to learn more. Thank you !!!

Volunteer in New London area

Our friends at Samaritan’s Purse International are on the ground in New London, WI and surrounding communities, helping homeowners affected by recent flood…and they are looking for more volunteers. The volunteer teams will help with mudouts and debris cleanup, and more importantly, share hope with families.

By joining their team of volunteers, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by the flooding. If you have some time and would like to volunteer, visit SPVolunteer.org.

With food insecurity being a large issue right now, consider making a donation to a local food pantry in your area. Food pantries serve individuals and families who may not have access to food/hygiene products.

Contact individual locations to find out details such as drop off times, specific needs they may have, or other tangible ways to give.

Family Promise of the Great Rivers is a homeless shelter serving families with children under 18 years old located in Sparta, Wisconsin. Family Promise is looking for volunteers for various roles within their organization.

To learn more about Family Promise of the Great Rivers join them for an Open House on November 20, 2025.

Types of Volunteers Needed:

Board Members

Dinner Volunteers: Work in pairs and be responsible for bringing a meal for volunteers and families staying at the shelter in the evenings.

Driver Volunteers/Movers: Transport families to and from the Day Center, work, school or appointments with the Family Promise van. Movers use the Family Promise van and trailer to assist with transport of donated items and families’ belongings.

Event Volunteers: Serving at various events throughout the year.

Day Center Volunteers: Help clean and organize for a few hours each week. Those with special skills to run workshops for families such as budgeting, cooking, self-care, vehicle upkeep, or other life skills.

Family Promise of the Great Rivers

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift‍-‍filled shoeboxes.

Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God’s immense love for the child. For many, it is their first gift ever! Delivered by our local church partners, shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, child-friendly way.

LEARN HOW TO BUILD A SHOEBOX HERE!

FIND DONATION DROP OFF LOCATIONS HERE

Your gently used household items can support a neighbor in need with the essentials necessary to turn a place into a home.

We are thrilled to be a collection site for this year’s COATS FOR KIDS!!

We will be collecting new and gently used winter coats, snow pants, mittens, hats, snow boots, and scarfs. Please bring your donations to our studio in Sparta (2409 S. Black River St.), before October 27th. Our offices are open Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4pm; and Friday 8:30am-3:00pm.

Thank you for blessing the children!!

Financial contributions to purchase outdoor winter apparel items are also needed. Charitable contribution receipts for tax purposes are available if donations are sent to Coats for Kids, PO Box 802, Tomah WI 54660, or if they are brought in person to Lighthouse Assembly of God, 762 West Clifton, Tomah.

Distribution of winter gear will be at Lighthouse Assembly of God, 762 W. Clifton Street in Tomah, and is scheduled for Friday, October 31st from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday, November 1st from 10:00 AM to 12 noon. Distribution will be on a first come basis. NO appointment necessary.

A limit of one of each different type of outdoor winter apparel item per person in attendance is in effect. No items will be available prior to distribution start.

As warm weather approaches the needs shift for the families that they serve. Consider donating some much needed items:

Bug Spray, Sunscreen, Toilet Paper, Glass Cleaner, Paper Towels

You can also visit their Amazon wish list at: Family Promise of the Great Rivers

Thank you for your support!!