Courtesy photo Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Hubbard Lake and MyMichigan Health Center Alpena pose for a photo after the congregation donated 100 care bags to the Alpena Cancer Center.

ALPENA — St. Paul Lutheran Church of Hubbard Lake recently donated 100 care bags to support patients receiving treatment at the Cancer Center in Alpena. The project, rooted in the congregation’s commitment to community outreach, brought together church members, volunteers, and local supporters.

The support was overseen by Pastor Joe Llewellyn and his mother, Kristin Llewellyn, who recently transported the first round of 50 bags to the Cancer Center. The congregation packed several care items, such as hats, blankets, water bottles and coloring books, into dark blue gift bags to be given to patients as needed. Each bag also includes a touching, handwritten note meant to inspire hope and healing. As the bags were delivered, the impact of the gesture quickly became clear. Jennifer Schuch, L.M.S.W., clinical social worker, Alpena Cancer Center, expressed deep appreciation for the contribution, noting how meaningful such support is for patients.

“We are so grateful for this donation of care items. It means the world to our patients when they are going through their cancer journey to know that our community at large is here to support them,” said Schuch. “I’ve had patients tear up when they receive gifts like this. Sometimes, what means the most to them is simply knowing that someone cares. We are truly grateful to Pastor Joe and his congregation in Hubbard Lake for this touching generosity. It will truly make a difference to our patients.”

The idea for the project began within the congregation itself. Pastor Joe explained, “My mother, Kristin, had the idea that for the month of December we would gather items for the care bags as a community-based giving tree. The congregation purchased items and then put together the care packages. Once all was said and done, we had 100 bags to donate. The mission of our church is ‘to make disciples that gather together, grow in Jesus, and go be His hands and feet.’ We recognize that many people are in need, and we believe God calls us to love and serve those in our community. We are grateful to be able to serve our community in this way and are glad to hear it will have a meaningful impact on our neighbors as they go through their cancer journey.”

Pastor Joe has served St. Paul Lutheran Church of Hubbard Lake since 2014, and his leadership has helped strengthen the congregation’s focus on service and connection. He and his wife, Melissa, along with their five children, have worked to cultivate a strong sense of community and spiritual growth within the church.

This donation reflects St. Paul Lutheran Church’s ongoing commitment to supporting neighbors in need and fostering compassion throughout the region. The congregation hopes the care bags bring comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that no one faces their cancer journey alone.

Those interested in donating to the Alpena Cancer Center may contact Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or (989) 356‒7738.