October 2026
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Sharing joy through
Giving Tree
For years, our congregation has supported Neighbors Helping Neighbors
(NHN), a remarkable local resource that helps people throughout Mount
Horeb and the surrounding area meet basic needs and move toward
greater stability.
The scope of that work is impressive. In 2025 alone, NHN distributed
more than 158,000 pounds of food through its Food Closet and provided
clothing, footwear and bedding to more than 4,000 shoppers. It also
distributed nearly 14,000 personal-care and essential household items
and provided more than $19,000 in assistance for housing, utilities,
vehicle repairs and fuel.
Our October Benevolence offering will support NHN’s Giving Tree, a
familiar holiday tradition that makes Christmas brighter for local families
and individuals in need. Last year, the Giving Tree provided Christmas
gifts to 320 children, seniors and adults with disabilities.
This year, NHN has identified several practical items that will be
especially helpful for the Giving Tree distribution on Dec. 15: shampoo,
conditioner, bars of soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and
winter hats. Our October gifts – through donations of those items or
financial support – will help NHN provide these everyday necessities
alongside the gift’s families receive.
Thank you for continuing to support an organization that truly lives up to
its name — neighbors helping neighbors, right here in our community.
Throughout October, our Benevolence gifts will help NHN spread joy this
holiday season through Giving Tree.
You can contribute financially by:
Mail: Send a check to ELC and note “Benevolence” in the memo.
Online: Visit the ELC website and click “Give”.
Digitally: Download the “GivePlus Church” mobile app, or text “Benevolence” to 608-400-0183 with the amount you wish to give.
On behalf of Benevolence,
Adam Mertz
adammertz2@gmail.com
