We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to GiveNKind for their incredible donation of 1,625 pairs of Bombas socks, as well as to Trinity Lutheran Church in Galewood, Illinois, for their generous contribution of basic need items. These donations have been passed along to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Skokie, Illinois, which operates a community clothing closet dedicated to serving individuals who are unhoused or facing hardship.
 
The impact of these contributions is profound. Each pair of socks and every essential item helps to restore dignity and warmth to those in our community who need it most. It is through these acts of kindness that we are able to embody the values of mercy and compassion that are central to LCC's mission. Together, we can reach more individuals and families, providing them not only with material support but also with a sense of hope and belonging.

Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, quickly responded to the heartbreaking news of local high school sophomore Krystal Buck's passing. Understanding the profound grief felt by her community, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) team joined LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Team Zoara and quickly mobilized to offer support. Krystal had bravely battled leukemia before suffering a life-ending infection.
 
A vibrant cheerleader and active school member, Krystal's spirit left a lasting impact on her classmates. In tribute, the school administration welcomed both the heart and cross to be displayed in Krystal’s classrooms and the lunchroom, allowing her peers to share their memories and condolences.
 
Messages written by her classmates beautifully captured her essence: “Krystal was a bright light in this dark world… our sunshine on a cloudy day… always so kind and happy… she was so positive and loved by everyone.”
 
The heart and cross will be gifted to Krystal’s family, offering love and support as they navigate through this tragic time of loss.

The school counselor at Bluffton High School reached out to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be there as the students and staff learned the news of Krystal’s death. As soon the school learned LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zoara would be there they said, "We all love Zoara, and thank you for responding so soon."
 
Zoara welcomed their hugs and touch as they sought her comfort. Zoara and her handlers visited several classrooms where Krystal was a student. It took one student to approach Zoara and then others would follow and spend time receiving her comfort and warmth. Often times the teachers would spend more time with Zoara than the students as they had seen how fiercely Krystal’s fought her battle with leukemia. Many staff members also knew Krystal’s older siblings.
 
READ MORE to learn how Zoara's team comforted the students and staff.

Amid the cutting, hauling, and clearing, the LCC LERT team has used Spiritual First Aid™ to encourage residents who have been struggling emotionally in the weeks since the storm.

Some stories and highlights:

LCC LERT volunteers worked at a site in Asheville with a steep-sloped yard that couldn’t accommodate machinery and heavy equipment. “Everything needed to be cut and hand-carried, or left in place,” O’Day said. “The homeowner sent an email later that said, ‘You all are amazing! Our life had been turned upside down, but you have helped by doing what you do. Thank you so much. God bless all of you!”

A second site in Asheville had 15 leaning tees that had to be felled, as well as one tree that had been broken in half. This week, some new LCC LERT volunteers were on the job and they had a climber that was able to remove the tree safely. “The homeowner was extremely grateful to have these dangerous trees gone and her property safe for her family,” O’Day said. “ All the volunteers worked hard and shared the love of Christ with those they served.”

READ MORE stories of homeowners who have been helped by LCC LERT teams on the LCC HURRICANE RESPONSE page.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, Ohio), and  Lazarus (LCC Staff) visited with the faculty, staff, and students at Four County Career Center, a public vocational school in Archbold, Ohio, which was a much-needed visit after the sudden death of one of their teachers.

The deceased teacher, Susan Myers, taught Early Childhood Education and worked at the public daycare on campus. The students had a two-hour delay but the teachers came in at their regular start time allowing them to meet before having students. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there early for the staff as they needed the care, comfort, and support at times even more than the students. It was obvious that Susan was loved and had many close friends at the school.
 
From the moment the Comfort Dog Ministry teams walked in, the need was so apparent!  Lazarus and his handler were asked to go with a counselor to her office to meet with two teachers, one of whom taught closely with the deceased.  Soon after they walked into the office the teacher started crying and sharing her pain and loss while hugging Lazarus close to her. Lazarus Comfort Dog then just laid down by her and the counselor took over.  This teacher has lost not only her teaching partner but her very best friend ever - such an emotional time.

The school was very well organized with the help of Maumee Valley Guidance and their suicide loss team. The Early Childhood Education students spent most of the day with us in a large room with games, cards, counselors, and us. Several of these students spent a great amount of time with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team. The handlers saw many of these students start the morning in tears but by afternoon they were joking with each other.

The handlers also saw friendships form across the dogs with former strangers. Their tears and then laughter brought them together. The counselors were wonderful and worked with us the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Claudia, Damascus, and Lazarus to support the students and staff who needed them.

In times of need, it is vital to remember that help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is there for anyone who may be struggling; simply call 988 for support.

But beyond this lifeline, there is another powerful source of comfort: the connections we share with friends and family. During these challenging times, we encourage everyone to reach out to those who may be feeling upset or overwhelmed. Listening, extending compassion, and offering understanding can make a profound difference, especially as we approach the holiday season, a time that can be particularly difficult for many.

"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76 )

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Job and his compassionate handlers from Christ the King in Memphis, Tennessee, made a heartfelt journey to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. This visit came in the wake of the tragic loss of one of their students, a devastating event that has left many in the community in mourning. Job and his dedicated handlers offered comfort, hope, and love during this incredibly difficult time, serving as a gentle reminder that no one is alone in their grief.

As Job sat with numerous staff members and students, he created a safe and nurturing space for them to express their emotions and share their sorrow. With each hug he received, Job provided a sense of warmth and support that was desperately needed. His presence reminded everyone that love and compassion can help heal even the deepest wounds.

We extend our heartfelt prayers to all those who knew and loved the student who tragically lost her life to suicide. In times of need, it is vital to remember that help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is there for anyone who may be struggling; simply call 988 for support.

But beyond this lifeline, there is another powerful source of comfort: the connections we share with friends and family. During these challenging times, we encourage everyone to reach out to those who may be feeling upset or overwhelmed. Listening, extending compassion, and offering understanding can make a profound difference, especially as we approach the holiday season, a time that can be particularly difficult for many.

"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76 )

Last week was a difficult one at Bluffton High School, Bluffton, South Carolina, as they learned that their friend, classmate, and student Krystal Buck (pictured) had died after a two-year battle with leukemia.

Krystal fought hard against this disease, all the while pushing through with determination and positivity.  Krystal continued to attend Bluffton High School and to play sports which included being a cheerleader and soccer player. Krystal's goal was to become a Child Life Specialist one day and help children who had experiences like hers.

The school counselor at Bluffton High School reached out to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be there as the students and staff learned the news of Krystal’s death. As soon the school learned LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) would be there they said, "We all love Zoara, and thank you for responding so soon."

Zoara and her handlers and the Heart of Mercy & Compassion team for Island Lutheran were there on Thursday, October 31 to comfort and support the students and staff at Bluffton High School. Zoara  and her team spent time with Krystal’s cheerleading and dance teams giving them time to process those thoughts and feeling of losing her.

Zoara welcomed their hugs and touch as they sought her comfort. Zoara and her handlers visited several classrooms where Krystal was a student.  It took one student to approach Zoara and then others would follow and spend time receiving her comfort and warmth.  Often times the teachers would spend more time with Zoara than the students as they had seen how fiercely Krystal’s fought her battle with leukemia. Many staff members also knew Krystal’s older siblings. 

The Heart of Mercy and Compassion was a great way for the students to share and express their thoughts and feelings. 

It was a very emotional day but through the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team from Island Lutheran, everyone felt loved, seen, and comforted.

Throughout the year, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are invited to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight as the veterans return home from their trip to Washington, D.C. The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and their military veteran handlers and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers are always honored to serve the United States military veterans who are part of these honor flights.

Last Saturday, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Samson (Zion Lutheran - Marengo, Illinois), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Mary & Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)  lined up and stood at attention as each veteran came off the plane and prepared for the welcoming celebration they were to receive. The handlers welcomed each veteran home and thanked them personally for their service.  Big smiles and sometimes tears of overwhelming joy were present as each person visited with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team. The handlers were thanked for being present and “making my day complete”.

Saturday, November 2, marked the last Stars and Stripes Honor Flight leaving from Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the 2024 season.  Hundreds and hundreds of veterans flew this year to Washington D.C. as part of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of these special days to honor our nation's heroes and look forward to being there for the 2025 season of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flights.