CARE Ministry of the Staples, Motley and Leader area recently celebrated one year of providing assistance to people in need. CARE Ministry is an ecumenical organization formed to coordinate and facilitate assisting people from our immediate area who are faced with a financial crisis or have an emergency arise beyond their means. Our goal is to centralize the distribution of assistance as well as ensure that all possible resources are being utilized to avoid such situations. Financial counseling and budgeting are offered to willing participants.

CARE has been graciously aided in its mission by the Lakewood Health System who has generously donated time, facility and emergency room receptionists to facilitate and coordinate the distribution of assistance.

For our first full year of service CARE has responded to over 220 requests for assistance. It is anticipated that requests will not diminish due to our present economy.

CARE welcomes contributions from the private individuals and businesses. CARE has received some support from these areas. Contributions are appreciated. Please mail your contributions to: CARE Ministry c/o Ted Lelwica or Jeannie Hajek.

CARE is primarily funded through the contributions from 12 area churches. The members contributing to CARE are: Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Assembly of God Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Michael's Catholic Church, Motley, Thomastown Covenant Church, Church of Christ, Congregational Church United Church of Christ, Motley Free Methodist Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church, Staples and Swan Valley Lutheran Church, Leader, all of Staples and Motley. These churches and their support are the foundation of this organization.