Big thank you to the Lincoln Junior High students and their food drive donations for the month of February. 

They collected more than 2,800 individual food items! This is enough canned and dry goods to feed 300 families for a month. 

We want to thank them for their amazing genrosity! We are also grateful for teacher Sarah McKenzie, who organized the campaign; and for Mr. Funsten, who is rewarding these students with an ice cream party.

Thanks Lincoln - You set a great example for our community!  Keep up the great work.

Join us for an unforgettable evening. We have paired many of Marshall County's Stars with professional dancing partners. All couples have choreographed and rehearsed a performance. 

The winner is determined by YOUR VOTES!

It is sure to be the event of the year as it is taking place at the luxrious Swan Lake Resort. A delicious buffet will provide a unique and fantastic dinner experience and you are sure to have a wonderful time with all of your friends and colleagues from the communities of Marshall County.

All proceeds go to benefit the Marshall County Neighborhood Center's primary programs:

Food Pantry - Thanks to your generosity, the support of the Marshall County United Way, the Marshall County Community Foundation, and Real Services, the Neighborhood Center now has a full time social worker providing hands on case management, helping our clients to help themselves out of their impoverished situation. In its first 6 months, this program is already beginning to demonstrate the power of providing a 'hand up' while we provide the basic survival 'hand outs'. 

Five Star - The only way to sustainably bridge a family out of a period of poverty is with solid mentorship following a foundation of trust. Five Star is a coaching program teaching the values that breed success to middle school and junior high students in the schools of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties. The program is now in its third season at Plymouth's Lincoln Junior High. Once again, this event will provide the seed money to fund the coming school year for Plymouth Junior High. See what has been done with this program in other communities by clicking here.


The event will be on Saturday, January 28, 2012 starting at 6:00 p.m. at Plymouth's Swan Lake Resort. For more details including the roster of performers and how to cast your vote, click here >  

Click the above link to download the brochure for the full details on everything you need to know to be part of the local Community Christmas Coalition >>

As you prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holidays, why not print this grocery list and keep it with you as a helpful reminder as you shop. 

Have you picked up the wish list from the family you are sponsoring yet? Four Ways You Can Bring Christmas Home >>

Want to add some extra food items for the kids? Here in another list to click and print! Extra Food for the Kids: Christmas Basket Food Items >>

Suggested Menu Items:

Turkey or Ham

3-5 lbs of Potatoes & Onions

3-5 lb bag of Apples or

3-4 Canned Fruit

Margarine/Butter

Gallon of Milk

Dinner Rolls,

Whole Wheat Bread, etc.

Deserts:

Homemade/Pre-made:

Pies, Cakes, Cookies

Ingredients for 1-2 Side Dishes:

Green Bean Casserole

(2 Cans Green Beans, 1 Can Cream of Mushroom, Milk, Dried Onions)

Corn Casserole

(1 Can Kernel Corn, 1 Can Cream Corn, 1 Jiffy Cornbread Mix, Sour Cream, Egg)

About Community Christmas Coalition
The Community Christmas Coalition (CCC) is made possible by the collaborative efforts of The Marshall County Neighborhood Center, Plymouth Community School Corporation, Leadership Marshall County, Shop With A Cop, Boys & Girls Club, TritCommunity Christmas Coalition. The CCC's mission to Bring Christmas Home to all Marshall County families. 
Last year CCC impacted over 500 local families, by providing them with gifts and meals from their fellow neighbors. This year will be the third year that the CCC helps the local community during the Christmas season and appreciates all of the local support, donations and service of the community members and volunteers. 

Contact: Marshall County Neighborhood Center  
www.marshallcountyneighborhoodcenter.com
402 W. Garro St. Plymouth / 574-936-3388    

For Updates – “Like” us on Facebook

There are four ways you can participate and help our local families. Check out how you can sponsor a local family this Christmas > 4 Ways You Can Bring Christmas Home


Kids are at home from school during Christmas Break and without school lunch or breakfast served. Many will miss daily meals.

Suggested items to consider adding to your Christmas basket:

• Peanut Butter & Jelly 
  
• Granola Bars
  
• Hot Cocoa
  
• Mac & Cheese
  
• Apples, Bananas
  
• Carrots, Celery, Raisins
  
• Cereal & Instant Oatmeal
  
• Pancake Mix & Syrup
  
• Spaghetti Os
  
• Jell-o/Pudding

Last year, the Marshall County's Community Christmas Coalition impacted over 500 local families by providing them with gifts and meals that were hand delivered. 

Want to know how YOU can help "Bring Christmas Home" to the local families in need this year? Here are four ways you can make a difference during this holiday season: 

1. Directly Sponsor a Family (recommended)
Select a family, get their wish list by contacting the MCNC, shop, wrap and deliver gifts in time for Christmas morning. 

2. Anonymously Sponsor a Family 
See #1 and deliver the wrapped gifts for your family directly to the Center.

3. Donate Dollars
Contribute any amount. Consider donating at least $150, the recommended costs of providing a Christmas basket for a family of four. 

4. Team Up, Serve and Give Together
Share the service opportunity and team up with others from your church, community organization or workplace to help rally support. This makes a rewarding community service project. Pledge to sponsor __# of families and divvy up the shopping, wrapping and delivering together! 


About Community Christmas Coalition

The Community Christmas Coalition (CCC) is made possible by the collaborative efforts of The Marshall County Neighborhood Center, Plymouth Community School Corporation, Leadership Marshall County, Shop With A Cop, Boys & Girls Club, TritCommunity Christmas Coalition. The CCC's mission to Bring Christmas Home to all Marshall County families. 
Last year CCC impacted over 500 local families, by providing them with gifts and meals from their fellow neighbors. This year will be the third year that the CCC helps the local community during the Christmas season and appreciates all of the local support, donations and service of the community members and volunteers. 

Contact: Marshall County Neighborhood Center  
www.marshallcountyneighborhoodcenter.com
402 W. Garro St. Plymouth / 574-936-3388    


For Updates – “Like” us on Facebook




 

Last week, the Center hit a new record of 44 households, representing over 100 individuals served in a single evening. The need is great and does not appear to be tapering off anytime soon. 

We want to thank a number of community- and business-sponsored food drives in process. 

There is a special drive called "Stuff a Bus" happening on November 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Martin's Supermarkets throughout Michiana. Shoppers will have a chance to purchase items and donate them right at the store. We hope you will take advantage of this and consider donating for the growing needs in our local community. 

As we prepare for the holidays, we are continuing to offer Thanksgiving Baskets as well as working with the Christmas Coalition. Last year, with the community support, we were able to serve 300 families. However, due to budget constrictions as well as the spike in families in need, we are running a waiting list to accommodate as many families as we can. In only two days time, over 200 families requested a Thanksgiving Basket. Unless we receive more support from generous donations, it is likely that some families will not be served. 

We will be providing additional information on the specific ways you can support and serve the Neighborhood Center. Until then, please see if you can support us in any of these ways listed >