The Lincoln-North Woodstock community is a small, tight-knit community that is always willing to lend a helping hand or help those in need. The local area is home to some important non-profit organizations that provide vital programs and assistance to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in the Lincoln-Woodstock area and across New Hampshire. If you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer your time and expertise or donate your money or gently used items for good, look no further than a few of our favorite non-profit organizations.
Loon Mountain Ministry
Loon Mountain Ministry is a non-denominational church that offers outdoor worship services on the summit of Loon Mountain during the summer and winter. With stunning views of the White Mountains, engaging music, and spiritually uplifting messages, you’ll leave feeling better than you came. Loon Mountain Ministry has many opportunities to give back to the local community, including praying, volunteering, and donating. One of the easiest things you can do for the Ministry and the community is to participate in prayer.
For those looking to get more involved, the Ministry is always looking for some extra hands to help with carrying equipment up the Loon Mountain gondola, serving coffee to your neighbors after a service, or volunteering your time at the Encore Thrift Shop. The Encore Thrift and Coffee, located on Main Street in Lincoln, is a 7,000-square-foot shop with clothing, sporting goods, books, records, and more. Shop at the store and support the mission of the Encore Thrift store. There are also many other ways to get involved with Loon Mountain Ministry, like the missional communities, 811 Youth, Ladies Coffee, and more.
The Bridge Project
The Bridge Project began as a Rotary Club initiative in 2016 to provide a space where people could feel comfortable asking for help. Today, the non-profit focuses on assisting at-risk individuals in the community struggling with addiction, poverty, and other challenging life circumstances. Led by local Lincoln-Woodstock resident Tracy Shamberger, The Bridge Project hosts recovery meetings, individual support, youth mentorship programs, and more. The organization has been successful in helping hundreds in need and is always looking for community members to volunteer their time, fundraise, or donate something you no longer need.
The Bridge Project also hosts four events every year. Pedal it Purple – Ride for Recovery Awareness is a family-friendly bike ride in June that raises money for The Bridge Project. For the golfers, there is the Cap’N Bill Golf Tournament held at the Maplewood Golf Club in Bethlehem. The organization also does the annual school supplies and backpack drive and the annual winter coat and clothes collection.
New England Disabled Sports
New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) provides adaptive sports instruction to students of varying abilities that meet certain criteria. Every year, the non-profit provides sports activities for close to 600 student-athletes in the White Mountains. Headquartered at Loon Mountain, the organization provides year-round programs. During the winter season, NEDS offers programs in alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing at Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods. During the summer months, student-athletes can participate in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, golf, and downhill mountain biking. NEDS also has a military program for veterans and offers camps.
If you’re an active outdoors person, then volunteering with NEDS might be right up your alley. NEDS is always looking for compassionate and hardworking volunteers to serve as volunteer coaches for various sports. If you’re short of time, NEDS welcomes monetary donations and items on their “NEDS Wish List.”
Lincoln Woodstock Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Lincoln-Woodstock is a dedicated group of Lincoln-Woodstock residents who share a passion for community service. Rotary is a global group of volunteer leaders committed to tackling some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges in their own communities and abroad. There are over 1.2 million rotary members across 200 countries. The Lincoln Woodstock Rotary Club meets Wednesday mornings at 7:00 am at the Woodstock Inn & Brewery. The Rotary’s “Community Chest” project supports various programs and services that help the most vulnerable members in the local community, especially during the holidays.
Loon Mountain Area Community Fund
The Loon Mountain Area Community Fund exists to help improve the quality of life for community members in need. For many years, the resort has operated under a guiding principle that employee involvement and charitable outreach is an integral part of their overall philosophy. Funds are used to help locals facing adversity due to circumstances involving injuries or accidents, medical needs, loss of life, fire, natural disasters, etc.
Funding comes from events like the Golden Gala and through a voluntary payroll deduction program (which Loon matches). Donations are also accepted and encouraged especially from local business in order to help support the overall cause.
In addition to all the non-profit organizations above, shopping local is always a great way to support the many locally-owned, small business owners and the hardworking people that call the Western White Mountains home.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
