***** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *****

Media Contact: Kirsten Stiver 

Email: kirsten@lenaweecf.com

Phone: 517.263.4696

ADRIAN, Mich., Feb. 3, 2025 – Hunters Helping Lenawee, a program of The Lenawee Community Foundation (LCF), announced today a record year of venison donation into the Lenawee community.

As of January 31, 2025, a record 5,185 pounds of venison had been donated to Lenawee food pantries and community meal programs. This was more than twice the amount in the same period last year and equates to nearly 21,000 meals. More than 80,000 meals have been provided to help lessen hunger in Lenawee County through the Hunters Helping Lenawee program since its inception.

Hunters Helping Lenawee began in 2010 with initial funding from individual donors and grants from local foundations, including the Lenawee Community Foundation, along with funds received from a federal grant.

Just over 1,200 pounds of venison was donated that first year, an amount that has more than quadrupled over the life of the program. In Lenawee County, one in six people receive food assistance – about 16,000 people every day. With the ability to feed at least four people with each pound of venison donated, Hunters Helping Lenawee is providing lean, quality protein to help fight hunger here in our community.

“Hunters Helping Lenawee is one of the ways the Lenawee Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter,” said Bronna Kahle, LCF President and CEO. “We’re grateful for the hunters who donate deer, and also for the local processors, food pantries, meal programs, volunteers, and donors who make this program possible — providing nutritious meals to local families, individuals, and seniors in need, helping to build a healthier, stronger Lenawee, now and forever.”

In Lenawee County, hometown pride runs deep and taking care of our neighbors is a way of life. Donating financial gifts helps cover the deer processing fees to ensure more healthy meals can be shared across our community.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit lenaweecommunityfoundation.com/

About Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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The post Record Year: Hunters Helping Lenawee Donates over 5,000 Pounds of Venison to Lenawee Food Pantries appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Participating in events such as Global Youth Service Day, the Clothesline Project, Make a Difference Day, and Martin Luther King  Jr. Day, the Youth Council members tackle pressing issues within the community.  In addition to these projects, the Council is involved in local programs that address the diverse needs and interests of the community. Whether it’s Ahisma and its animals, face painting activities at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration, supporting Keep Lenawee Warm, the Sock Tree at Christmas, or collaborating with the Lenawee Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, the Council’s work is all about serving people and their needs.

One of the pillars of the Lenawee YOUTH Council’s impact lies in its grant-making process.  Members learn to read, evaluate, and distribute funds to deserving organizations and projects.  Seeing the direct results of their contributions, whether it is in supporting libraries, food pantries, skate parks, or soccer fields, the feeling of pride and accomplishment is so rewarding.

There is still time to join us.  Starting in May and continuing this summer we will be volunteering with the Clothesline Project, Migrant Health Fair, Back to School projects, college visits, and seeing Newsies at the Croswell Opera House. 

The Lenawee YOUTH Council offers a community of  Lenawee County students that build friendships, develop  passions, and grow personally.  It’s open to anyone with a heart for service, a love for community, and a desire to effect positive change.  Joining the Lenawee YOUTH Council will be a decision you won’t regret! Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the evening.  Reach out to Paula Trentman at the Lenawee Community Foundation to seize that opportunity for meaningful contribution. We can’t wait for you to join our team! 517-263-4696 or paula@lenaweecf.com.

Do you want to get involved or learn more?  Contact the Lenawee Community Foundation at  517.263.4696 or forlenawee@lenaweecf.com.

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Whitney Lilly is a senior at Lenawee Christian High School. Paula Trentman serves as Vice President & Director of Grants and Programs of the Lenawee Community Foundation.  Your Community Foundation assists individuals, corporations, and organizations in fulfilling their charitable goals for our community.  For information about how your business, any group, your family, or you can volunteer to build a better community, call 517.263.4696 or contact forlenawee@lenaweecf.com.  We would be delighted to be of service as you invest time, talent, and treasure now and forever.

The post Lenawee YOUTH Council.  We are looking for new members!  appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

A scary thing, right?

Only those who have the sight

Can lead everyone to the light

So what does it take to lead?

It means YOU have to plant the seed

You must be strong

You must be courageous

You must be able

You must be vivacious

Philanthropy

That’s what we’ve learned

It means be kind, show the love

This is how you ascend above

Poem by Brandon, Lenawee Youth Leadership Attendee

Nationally, studies show that 60% of all adult volunteers began volunteering by the age of 14.  Furthermore, teens who are not volunteering by this age may never volunteer.

A Lenawee survey of 7^th, 9^th, and 11^th grade students documented:

• 21% perceived that adults in the community valued youth.
• 24% felt that they were given useful roles in our community.

If we truly believe that our youth are our future, as we often say, we cannot fail to do something about these perceptions.  The Lenawee Community Foundation was compelled to act to change these sad statistics.

The Foundation and its program, Lenawee YOUTH Council, are sponsoring Lenawee Youth Leadership to nurture leadership, volunteerism, and community spirit among Lenawee youth.  Teens interested in positive change need to look no further than the Lenawee Youth Leadership 3-day camp.       

This summer day camp will give young people the opportunity to learn more about themselves, our Lenawee County community, youth assets, leadership skills, goal setting, teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving.  Lenawee Youth Leadership is for young persons who want to increase their leadership skills and have their voices heard. 

Youth participate in hands-on, decision-making activities assisted by trained facilitators, including youth who have previously participated.  They learn about making a difference in the lives of others and have lots of fun along the way.

Lenawee Youth Leadership will be held on June 21, 22, and 23 at Stubnitz Environmental Education Center from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.  The cost is $50, however scholarships are available.  Youth ages 12 – 19 are welcome to attend, however, preregistration is required.  A light breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided. 

For information on Lenawee Youth Leadership, or to obtain a registration form or inquire about a scholarship, contact Paula Trentman at the Lenawee Community Foundation at 263.4696 or via email at paula@lenaweecf.com.  You can also find us on Facebook.

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Paula Trentman serves as Vice President & Director of Grants and Programs of the Lenawee Community Foundation.  Your Community Foundation assists individuals, corporations, and organizations in fulfilling their charitable goals for our community.  For information about how your business, any group, your family, or you can volunteer to build a better community, call 517.263.4696 or contact paula@lenaweecf.com.  We would be delighted to be of service as you invest time, talent, and treasure now and forever.

The post Join the 2023 Youth Leadership Camp and develop your leadership skills! appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.