COLERIDGE — The main focus for Coleridge Christians Caring is helping those in need.
Representatives from all four churches in Coleridge came together in 1986 to discuss what they could do to offer a helping hand to others.
A decision was made at the meeting to ask each of the Coleridge churches to appoint two or three people to serve with the pastors on a steering committee which became known as the Christians Caring Committee.
Over the last 23 years the good deeds done by Christians Caring range from reaching out with a bag of groceries to helping send books to Afghanistan.

Activities of Christians Caring have included a food pantry, grocery boxes at Christmas time, providing scholarships for youth to attend a summer Christian Camp, financial support to Haven House and efforts to aid military troops overseas.
A few years ago Christians Caring decided to help out when they learned of the “Read for Kids” program through Craig Hively who was stationed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy.
“Read for Kids” gave soldiers the opportunity to be videotaped while reading a book to their child - when the taping session was completed the DVD and book were sent to the child.
“We were able to provide nearly $200 to help with the books and tapings,”  said Dolores Meier who is president for committee.
Christians Caring has helped out families who have the extra expense of traveling in order for family members to receive medical treatments.
The committee set up a Tornado Relief Fund when a tornado hit the Coleridge area in 2003 and also responded with financial help when a tornado hit  another Neb. community.
At times Christians Caring has helped when there has been a need for a tank of gas or a meal for a traveler who was passing through.
Each year the Christian Caring Committee sponsors a community ecumenical service on Good Friday and a service on Thanksgiving Eve along with a soup and sandwich supper.
Community service awards are presented at Thanksgiving Eve service.
“We started giving the awards in 1993,” said Meier. “At first we gave one – now we  give an award to a deserving man and a woman who has helped in the community.”
The group also holds a Baccalaureate service for the Coleridge High School graduates each spring.
A community prayer chain came out of the Christians Caring Committee.
Funds have come from private donations, special offerings received at community church services, fund raising activities as well as grants when they are available.
Current officers and members on the Christians Caring committee are President Dolores Meier, Secretary Vicky Gullicksen, Treasurer Gary Frerichs, Ron Wege, Jeff and Ronette Wemhoff, Tim and Bev Schrieber, Pastor Kimm, Pastor Stein and Father Loeske.