Computing Coverage Area: Elkhart County
- Bristol
- Elkhart
- Goshen
- Middlebury
- Millersburg
- Nappanee
- New Paris
- Shipshewana
- Wakarusa
Our Community. Your Choice.
Your Vote Powers the Difference!
We are grateful for the support you and your neighbors show us on a daily basis. But support is a two-way street. That's why we've decided to give back to the community. "Our Community. Your Choice." is a way for you to help your favorite organization. And, best of all, all you need to do is vote. Mechanical Man, Inc. will donate to each organization based on what place they come in at the end of Wednesday, December 16, 2026.
Our community has been the heart of Mechanical Man since 1997, and now it's our turn to give back to the people who make it so special. We're supporting three incredible local nonprofits that change lives every day, and we want YOU to be part of making an even bigger difference. Each organization will receive a donation, but your vote will help decide who receives a little extra support. Together, we can make a meaningful impact right here at home!
Our community has been the heart of Mechanical Man since 1997, and now it's our turn to give back to the people who make it so special. We're supporting three incredible local nonprofits that change lives every day, and we want YOU to be part of making an even bigger difference. Each organization will receive a donation, but your vote will help decide who receives a little extra support. Together, we can make a meaningful impact right here at home!
Donations:
- 1st: $2,000
- 2nd: $1,000
- 3rd: $1,000
Rules:
- One vote per day per person
- Votes tied to unverified emails or phone numbers will be disregarded
- Voting for more than one charity is prohibited
LoveWay Equine Assisted Services
LoveWay Projects, Inc. was founded by Gary and Sandy Weatherwax in 1973 in memory of their 16 year old daughter Laurie. While in high school, Laurie took a school trip to Augusta, Michigan to visit the Cheff Center. At that time, Cheff Center was the only therapeutic riding center in the United States.
It was from this visit that Laurie’s dream to help others with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities was born. Much of this came from her desire to help individuals like her father, who after suffering from a broken back in a car accident, was left a paraplegic. Laurie was very interested in bringing a program of therapeutic riding to Northern Indiana due to the fact that her father required a wheelchair, and could be able to ride again with the proper resources.
Soon after her visit to Cheff, Laurie took a trip to Africa where, unbeknownst to her parents, she contracted a fatal virus. Soon after her passing, Sandy and Gary founded LoveWay Projects, Inc in her memory.
They began by giving lessons in their driveway with the help of specially selected horses and volunteers. In 1990, the name was officially changed from LoveWay Projects, Inc. to LoveWay, Inc. The “L” and “W” in LoveWay are Laurie’s initials.
More than 50 years later, LoveWay continues its mission with the help of more than 150 volunteers serving more than 160 riders each year. In total, more than 5,000 volunteer hours are given by this amazing community to empower individuals with disabilities.
Middlebury Food Pantry
Middlebury Food Pantry started as a glimmer of light in a closet at First Mennonite Church of Middlebury to offer food for one family in need after experiencing a tragedy. That glimmer has grown into a flame over the last 37 years to become a stand alone 501c3, newly named "The Bridge." God has honored and led that small glimmer which continues to be a huge part of the Middlebury community and surrounding areas. The Bridge is now operating in a separate facility on County Road 16 in Middlebury with Pam Bingaman as a paid staff member. Our vision and work have expanded to include monthly worship services, clothing and furniture, as well as food necessities. We have also partnered with Babies Basic Needs, another not-for-profit. God willing, we hope to offer classes in the future, giving a hand-up to help our brothers and sisters.
SPA - Spiritual & Personal Adjustments Women’s Ministry Homes
SPA Women’s Ministry Homes was founded in 1998 under the name Repairer of Broken Walls, inspired by Isaiah 58. What began as a calling placed on the hearts of founders Sandra Bontrager and Linda Conrad was birthed through prayer, faith, and godly counsel. In 2002, the ministry became known as SPA (Spiritual & Personal Adjustments) Women’s Ministry Homes, reflecting its mission to help women experience lasting transformation through Christ.
As the ministry grew, SPA established a formal Board of Directors and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2004. The organization continued to expand its programs, staffing, and community partnerships while remaining committed to serving women struggling with addiction, trauma, and other life-controlling issues.
Originally designed as a three-month program, SPA recognized that women who remained in the program longer experienced greater success. Over time, the program expanded to its current 12-month residential discipleship model, providing women with the time, support, and resources needed for lasting recovery and life change. As the ministry continued to grow, SPA transitioned from being entirely volunteer-led to employing dedicated staff, increasing its ability to meet the complex needs of women impacted by trauma and addiction.
Through the years, SPA expanded its residential services to include transitional housing and second-phase programming, helping women build stability, strengthen family relationships, develop life skills, and successfully reintegrate into the community. What began with a handful of women has grown into a comprehensive ministry that has served thousands of women and their families.
Today, SPA Women’s Ministry Homes continues to provide Christ-centered discipleship, recovery support, counseling, case management, and practical life-skills training, helping women discover their identity in Christ and walk confidently into the future God has planned for them.