Love One Another Now: Meeting the growing needs of local kids

As of Sept. 6, racks that overflowed in July now stand nearly bare at LOAN. Only six pairs of junior high and high school-sized snow pants remained, and there are no gloves left for older students.

As of Sept. 6, racks that overflowed in July now stand nearly bare at LOAN. Only six pairs of junior high and high school-sized snow pants remained, and there are no gloves left for older students.

Shelves that were once full now sit bare after LOAN served 196 students at the beginning of the school year.

Shelves that were once full now sit bare after LOAN served 196 students at the beginning of the school year.

LOAN has already helped 50 more students than last year, and demand typically grows even further once the snow flies. They are in desperate need of items such as snow boots, which they are already running low on.

LOAN has already helped 50 more students than last year, and demand typically grows even further once the snow flies. They are in desperate need of items such as snow boots, which they are already running low on.

In 2014, what began as a three-week back-to-school ministry has since grown into a year-round lifeline for families across Pembina County and the Valley-Edinburg School District. Love One Another Now—known simply as LOAN—is a nonprofit organization founded by Lorna Ratchenski with a simple but profound prayer: “God, show me how I can help my community.”

“Be careful what you pray for,” Ratchenski ch…