Explore ElkhartCares programs that provide student aid, teacher grants, literacy support, and emergency help in Elkhart Lake–Glenbeulah.
Our programs are designed to meet people where they are—whether that means providing school supplies, supporting a classroom, covering sports or arts fees, or ensuring a family has food and heat in the winter. Every initiative is fueled by community generosity and aimed at making a lasting impact.
At ElkhartCares, we believe that meeting basic needs unlocks potential—in the classroom, at home, and in life. Our programs are designed to respond quickly and compassionately to students, families, and educators in the Elkhart Lake–Glenbeulah School District.
We work directly with school staff and community partners to ensure our support goes where it’s needed most.
Helping Students Dream Bigger and Reach Further.
ElkhartCares is committed to breaking down barriers so every student has the tools, opportunities, and confidence to succeed. Through targeted scholarships and enrichment grants, we support students across a wide range of needs and aspirations—from early college courses to extracurricular opportunities.
Examples of the scholarships we offer:
Whether it’s a basketball uniform, a saxophone, or dual-enrollment tuition, these investments help students grow their talents, explore their passions, and gain the confidence to keep going.
Behind every grant or grocery bag is a moment of relief for a student or family who knows they’re not alone.
When families face hardship, students often suffer in silence. We step in to ensure every child has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
We provide:
All support is confidential and coordinated with school staff and family liaisons.
When teachers have the tools they need, students see what’s possible—and believe in what they can achieve.
Teachers know their students best. That’s why we fund direct classroom grants to empower educators and meet unique classroom needs.
Examples of funded grants:
Educators can apply year-round. Grant applications are reviewed promptly to allow fast support.
A book, a backpack, or a summer reading challenge can spark confidence and curiosity that lasts a lifetime.
We believe literacy is foundational. We promote reading year-round—especially during school breaks when learning loss can occur.
Key initiatives
ElkhartCares is proud to support the Elkhart Lake Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, which keeps students engaged and learning during the summer months.
Through our grant, the library is able to provide:
Teachers in the district collaborate with the librarian to identify students who would benefit most from extra literacy support and summer engagement. By tailoring the program to these students, we help prevent summer learning loss while making reading an enjoyable and rewarding part of summer.
With ElkhartCares’ support, the library’s Summer Reading Program continues to nurture young minds, foster imagination, and strengthen our community one book at a time.
We also extend our literacy support through book giveaways at Santa’s Village and other community events.
The holidays are brighter when every family feels cared for and every neighbor wakes up to a day filled with joy.
ElkhartCares helps make that possible by sponsoring holiday meals, grocery support, and personalized gift sponsorships for children and teens facing hardship.
In partnership with the Elkhart Lake–Glenbeulah School District, children identified as coming from families in need receive thoughtful holiday gifts — ensuring every child feels remembered, valued, and loved this season.
Our special events are joyful, inclusive, and always free for participating families
No family should have to choose between warmth, food, and holiday joy.
We create moments of joy, connection, and celebration for local families—because everyone deserves to feel included and cared for, especially during seasonal milestones.
Our signature events include:
Santa’s Village
A magical holiday experience with games, crafts, storytime, book giveaways, and surprise visits from Santa—free for all local families
Each year, ElkhartCares proudly sponsors the Veterans Day Luncheon—a deeply meaningful event where students come together to serve, honor, and learn from our local veterans and their loved ones.
This special tradition is made possible through a dedicated grant from ElkhartCares, which allows students to:
It’s more than just a meal—it’s a living lesson in gratitude, history, and service. Students gain firsthand understanding of sacrifice, honor, and community, while veterans receive a joyful and well-deserved celebration of their contributions.
For many students, the Veterans Day Luncheon is their first personal connection to a veteran’s story. For our veterans, it’s a chance to see the next generation carry forward the values they served to protect.
Year after year, this event strengthens bonds between youth and veterans, bridging the past and the future in one afternoon of shared respect. ElkhartCares is honored to support this tradition, ensuring that every veteran feels seen, appreciated, and valued.
It’s more than a meal—it’s a heartfelt thank-you to those who’ve served, led by the students who are learning from them.
Students and community members come together to honor local veterans through food, music, and shared stories. Sponsored by ElkhartCares.
Each fall, ElkhartCares proudly hosts The Root Beer Garten — the beloved kids’ area at Elktoberfest in downtown Elkhart Lake.
This free, family-friendly celebration is filled with hands-on fun, laughter, and fall cheer. Children can enjoy pumpkin painting, elk ring toss, pretzel cookie decorating, pumpkin bowling, face painting, and more — all while sipping cider and root beer in a space designed just for families.
The Root Beer Garten brings together neighbors, parents, and children to make memories, share smiles, and celebrate the spirit of fall in our community.
Through crafts, games, and joyful connection, ElkhartCares helps make Elktoberfest a day families look forward to all year — a true celebration of kindness, creativity, and community.
The holidays are brighter when every family feels cared for, and every member of the community wakes up to a day filled with joy.
We also sponsor holiday meals, grocery deliveries, and personalized gift sponsorships for children and teens facing hardship.
Our special events are joyful, inclusive, and always free for participating families.
No family should ever have to choose between warmth, food, and holiday joy.
We create moments of connection and celebration for local families — because everyone deserves to feel included and cared for, especially during the most meaningful times of the year.
Our signature events include:
Each holiday season, ElkhartCares transforms the historic village square into a place of warmth, joy, and connection.
Families sip hot cocoa while children enjoy magical visits with Santa and the Snow Princess, receive special gifts, and take home free children’s books — part of the hundreds distributed by ElkhartCares throughout the event to inspire a lifelong love of reading across our community.
Parents, grandparents, and friends gather with neighbors, share smiles, and create lasting holiday memories — all without worrying about cost.
In partnership with the celebration, the Elkhart Lake Chamber of Commerce hosts horse-drawn carriage rides through the Village Square and the Village Tree Lighting Ceremony, adding even more sparkle to the evening and drawing the entire community together in one joyful, connected experience.
This cherished event brings holiday cheer, treasured gifts for children, and the joy of knowing every family in our community feels cared for and included.
The holidays are brighter when every family feels cared for, and every member of the community wakes up to a day filled with joy.
No family should have to choose between warmth, food, and holiday joy.
We create moments of joy, connection, and celebration for local families—because everyone deserves to feel included and cared for, especially during seasonal milestones.
Our signature events include:
Santa’s Village
A magical holiday experience with games, crafts, storytime, book giveaways, and surprise visits from Santa—free for all local families
Each year, ElkhartCares proudly sponsors the Veterans Day Luncheon—a deeply meaningful event where students come together to serve, honor, and learn from our local veterans and their loved ones.
This special tradition is made possible through a dedicated grant from ElkhartCares, which allows students to:
It’s more than just a meal—it’s a living lesson in gratitude, history, and service. Students gain firsthand understanding of sacrifice, honor, and community, while veterans receive a joyful and well-deserved celebration of their contributions.
For many students, the Veterans Day Luncheon is their first personal connection to a veteran’s story. For our veterans, it’s a chance to see the next generation carry forward the values they served to protect.
Year after year, this event strengthens bonds between youth and veterans, bridging the past and the future in one afternoon of shared respect. ElkhartCares is honored to support this tradition, ensuring that every veteran feels seen, appreciated, and valued.
Each year, ElkhartCares proudly sponsors the Veterans Day Luncheon—a meaningful event where students come together to serve, honor, and learn from our local veterans and their loved ones.
Through a special grant from ElkhartCares, students are able to:
It’s more than just a meal—it’s a living lesson in gratitude, history, and service. This event helps students build empathy and respect, while offering our veterans a joyful and well-deserved celebration of their sacrifices.
ElkhartCares is honored to support this tradition year after year, ensuring every veteran feels seen, appreciated, and valued.
We have significant work ahead to grow this fund so that the School Social Worker position can be sustained year after year.
Your support today moves us closer to making this life-changing resource a lasting part of our district.
We can’t do it without you.
Why This Matters:
Thanks to the generosity of our community, ElkhartCares has fully funded a School Social Worker for 2025.
This vital role — our Youth Resiliency Coordinator — is part of the proven Check & Connect program, designed to keep students from falling through the cracks.
Through weekly one-on-one mentoring, students build trust with a caring adult who helps them navigate challenges, stay engaged in school, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Right now, ElkhartCares is fundraising to bring a dedicated Youth Resiliency Coordinator to students in our district. This vital position is part of the proven Check & Connect program—an early intervention model designed to support students facing academic or emotional struggles before they fall through the cracks.
Through weekly one-on-one mentoring, students build trust with a caring adult who helps them navigate challenges, build confidence, and stay engaged in school. Our goal is to ensure that students have ongoing, personal support to improve their mental health, academic performance, and sense of belonging
Your tax-deductible gift today is the first step in building an endowment that will protect this program’s future. Together, we can make sure that every year, students in our district have access to this essential, life-changing resource.
100% of your donation goes directly to programs and services.
Your support fuels these programs. Give Today – Change Lives
