CrossNet Ministries in New Holland runs on volunteer power, and executive director Meredith Dahl is impressed with the caliber of those individuals who help to keep the ministry moving forward to serve the area. "We have amazing volunteers who give of their time and talents," said Dahl. "All the individuals here make ELANCO the greatest place to live."

Meghan Ervine, director of marketing and communications for CrossNet, recently reached out to the organization's staff members to learn about the most immediate volunteer needs.

Ervine learned that social services program manager Danielle Kissinger who runs the Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World and the Money and Me classes, is in need of child care volunteers and people who are willing to bring meals to the classes, which will be held on Monday evenings through May 13.

Ervine also reported that drivers are needed. "Our transportation ministry is always looking for volunteers to drive people," Ervine stated. For adult riders, requests from women are sent to female drivers and from men to male drivers. Volunteers are needed to drive both adults and children. All transportation volunteers must have had their driving records checked, and they must have undergone the required clearances.

Amy Marburger, manager of the CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center, said that she 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 days (for this volunteer task) vary each month. There's no set schedule," noted Ervine. 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.

Youth center manager Sarah Ortiz is looking for volunteers to hang out with youths in seventh through 12th grades on Wednesday and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the youth center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland. "It's building relationships and spending time with (the students)," noted Ervine.

CrossNet mentoring and education director Julia Bills told Ervine she is in need of mentors for the program. Mentors, who serve both children and adults, focus on the positive change that can come from developing a mentoring relationship. Volunteers should be patient, flexible, open to learning, and willing to get out of their comfort zone and connect with someone and support them. In the past, there has been a special need for male mentors. Mentors are required to complete applications and clearances and take part in a free training session. The next session will be held on Tuesday, May 14, at 6 p.m.

Readers who are interested in helping out may call 717-355-2454 or email office@elancocross.org.