Last night, we had the joy of celebrating someone who has poured her heart into this community for over four decades: Belle Lown.

Belle served as the acting Director of Carthage Crosslines Ministry for 36 remarkable years.

But her dedication didn't stop there. For the past five years, she has continued to volunteer her time and wisdom to support our new director and ensure our mission keeps moving forward — without being asked, without fanfare, simply because she cares.

Belle will fully step into retirement when we move into our new building — a milestone she has more than earned. That new chapter for Crosslines will carry her fingerprints on every wall, even after she's gone.

We are so grateful for her 42 years of sacrifice, service, and love for this ministry and the people we serve together.

Here's to Belle. ?

Thank you for everything — from all of us at Carthage Crosslines.

Friends, we have some incredible news to share!

Carthage Crosslines has been selected to receive a FY26 Strengthening Our Network Grant from Ozarks Food Harvest — and with it, we will receive a 2026 Dodge RAM ProMaster to use for food donation pickups. We are beyond grateful!

This vehicle could not have come at a better time. We were recently blessed to add local Dollar General and Aldi locations to our food pickup routes, alongside our existing partners. A dedicated vehicle will allow us to serve these partners more efficiently and bring even more food back to families in need right here in Carthage.

To the team at Ozarks Food Harvest — thank you. Thank you for believing in this mission, for investing in our community, and for helping us say yes to more opportunities to serve.

And to our supporters — none of this happens without you either. Your prayers, your donations, and your encouragement keep this ministry moving forward every single day.

We can't wait to put this van to work for our neighbors. Stay tuned for updates!