CrossNet offers regular community events, services including our Free Christmas Gift Program, Coat Giveaway and Backpack Giveaway, partnerships with other agencies and collaborations to cultivate community development.

Outreach Events

Community Meal

On the fourth Monday of each month CrossNet Ministries hosts a FREE Community Meal provide by Garden Spot Village. Meal will be served in our Youth Center located at 110 W. Franklin St, New Holland.  This in-house meal is served between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.  All are welcome! 

ELANCO Community Meals handout flyer

Anchored Ministries FREE Mobile Clothing Closet

Anchored Ministries will have their FREE mobile clothing closet at the CrossNet Community Meals every month after our Community Meal.  Plan to join us at 5:30 PM for a delicious meal prepared by our friends at Garden Spot Village and stay to shop the closet from 6:00 -7:00 PM!  Closet will open at 6:00 PM during the Community Meal at CrossNet Ministries   

Clothing Closet Dates

FREE clothing will be available for everyone while supplies last.

LOCATED at Warehouse 100 at 100 W. Franklin Street, New Holland / beside CrossNet’s Youth Center.

DETAILS & INFO: You do not need to attend the meal to visit the clothing closet – it is open for all. For more info call 717-355-2454 or email lisa@elancocross.org.

Backpack Giveaway

As many of you know backpacks and school supplies can be a financial struggle for many families. CrossNet partners with area churches, local business and the community to hand out backpacks and supplies to those who need them at the beginning of each school year. We offer a variety of other back to school resources at this event including Anchored Ministries’ free clothing closet.

This event will be held on August 8, 2023

If you would like to host a Backpack & Supply Donation Drive please contact lisa@elancocross.org. 

All community members, churches and businesses can be involved!  See list below.

• Host a backpack and supply drive. We are hoping to collect and giveaway 600 backpacks and school supplies. We have 10 bins available to put in your church or business to collect supplies if so desired.
• Toiletry Donations. In addition to school supplies we like to offer toothpaste and toothbrushes if we have them available.
• Financial Donations. Financial donations will go towards purchasing free coupons for haircuts and ice cream snack.
• Amazon Wish List. If you like shopping online check out our Amazon Wish List for specific items that are needed. Click here for our Amazon Wish List
• Shop for a Specific Age Group.  Perhaps you would like to shop for a specific age group with you children, small group or organization.  Below are age specific shopping lists – simply click on the link, print the page and go shopping!
  • Grades K-3 Backpack Shopping List
  • Grades 4-6 Backpack Shopping List
  • Grades 7-8 Backpack Shopping List
  • Grades 9-12 Backpack Shopping List
• Volunteering.  We will need volunteers to receive and organize donations and fill backpacks prior to our event.  Please email Lisa for more information.

Thank you for partnering with us to meet this community need.

Winter Coat Program

Our Winter Coat Giveaway in partnership with Anchored Ministries Clothing Closet will be held every October on Columbus Day (date varies). Families will be able to come in and choose a new or lightly used coat and a set of hat and gloves for the cold winter ahead. If you are unable to attend this event, please contact CrossNet Ministries for assistance.

If you are able to help with a donation of a new or lightly used coat, hat or gloves please email lisa@elancocross.org or stop by the office Monday through Thursday between 9 am and 4 pm and or Fridays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM with your donation. We except these donations all year long to prepare for the yearly giveaway. We also keep these donations available for emergencies.

For more information on the 2023 Winter Coat Program, click here.

SPECIAL NOTE:  We collect winter coats and items all year long! After Christmas is an awesome time to get some great deals on coats for kids, teens or adults!! Items can be donated and dropped anytime during office hours. Thank you for partnering with us to make sure everyone in ELANCO is warm!

Christmas Gift Program

The Christmas Gift Program is an opportunity for our community to come together to make sure needs are met, families are empowered and the love of Jesus Christ is shared at Christmas time. 

CrossNet works closely with the ELANCO School District, local organizations, businesses, and individuals in order to spread the hope & joy of Christ at Christmas. Information for this year is now available.

Family sign-ups start in September and Donor sign-up start in early October.

Please check out the web page here, for complete details!

Feel free to contact Lisa at lisa@elancocross.org or by phone at 717-355-2454 with any additional questions or details.

This year, the Christmas Workshop Week will be between December 4th and December 8th. The Christmas Giveaway Event is taking place on Saturday, December 9th. 

For volunteer opportunities or more information, please contact lisa@elancocross.org.

Check out this clip from our 2019 Event!

Mentoring Program

CrossNet Ministries believes that life change stems from relationship and that no one should journey in life alone. Our Mentoring Program carefully matches volunteer Mentors with students or adults in our community who are looking for a positive role model and support.

All Mentors must complete background checks, attend a free initial training and know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Each mentor meets with their mentee twice a month, and it is our prayer that these relationships grow and last a lifetime! CrossNet offers ongoing support to both Mentor and Mentee. If you are interested in applying to be a mentor, or in having a Mentor, please contact Charis Pankratz, Mentoring and Education Director, at 717-355-2454, or at charis@elancocross.org.