Category: General

Fox Cities tornado recovery resources

Fox Cities Tornado Recovery Resources

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If you or someone you know was affected by the tornado that went through the Fox Cities and devastated Menasha, Appleton, Neenah and the surrounding communities, we’ve gathered some resources to help.

Please continue to pray for those who have been impacted, as well as the continued safety of emergency responders and volunteers.

Community Resources

Winnebago County is providing ongoing community updates for the Village of Fox Crossing and the City of Menasha and surrounding community on their website and Facebook page. Please continue to monitor for the latest updates as they’re constantly changing.

An interactive map was created to help connect residents with resources, like water, public showers, supplies, and food.

Outagamie County updates can be found by visiting the City of Appleton tornado resources website.

Local Church Support & Volunteer Opportunities

Mill City Church in Neenah is still accepting donations for area residents. Visit Facebook to learn more about specific needs.

Christ the Rock Community Church in Menasha has a mobile food pantry that is out helping area residents. Visit Facebook to learn more.

Calvary Bible Church in Neenah is providing supplies and food to area residents. Visit Facebook to learn more.

Alliance Church has partnered with Samaritans Purse to assist with volunteer cleanup. Visit the signup link to learn more.

Thanks to Volunteer Fox Cities for coordinating efforts during the aftermath of the tornado. They are now focusing on long-term help and recovery with specialized needs. You may visit their website to stay up to date.

Prayer Support & Requests

We invite you to join The Family as we continue to pray for those affected by the storms, as well as the emergency management personnel and volunteers who are helping those in need. If you need prayer, please visit our prayer wall.

Help For The Homeless Stories

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We’d love to hear how The Family’s Help For The Homeless Hygiene Drive is impacting your organization and/or community.

Call our studios at 833-968-7326 and follow the prompt to record an audio story, or fill out the form below to have your story sent to Jaki Eno, The Family’s Help For The Homeless Coordinator.

If you have any issues with the form, please let Jaki know.

Fill out my online form.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mary

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The Heart Behind The Mission

Mary has been volunteering at The Family since she retired in 2018.  She helps the team in a variety of different ways including helping with office tasks when the team is short-staffed, serving during the fundraisers, and writing thank you notes to our day sponsors.  Here is what she had to stay in an interview with our Development Coordinator, Kate. 

Kate:  Tell us a little bit about yourself! 

Mary:  I was born and raised in Appleton and haven’t left for a very long time.  My parents built the house where I grew up when my mom was pregnant with me.  I am the 4th child out of 5.  I worked full-time at Appvion (formerly Appleton Papers) for 40 years and then retired.  I have worked many part-time jobs since then and am currently working at the Appleton and Greenville YMCAs.  I became a Christian late in life (in my 40s) and I am so grateful that our great God never gave up on me.  Life is definitely an adventure, and I learn something daily about our great God.  I am single and have no kids, but I do have a dog who I adore.  Harper is a Labrador-Shepherd mix and is 10 years old.  She has been my walking buddy for years!  I love to walk and bike in my spare time.   

A few of Mary’s Favorite Things

Favorite Bible Verse:  “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 

Favorite Christian Artist:  Cochren & Co.

Favorite Christian Song:  “Running Home” by Cochren & Co. 

Kate:  What first inspired you to volunteer with us and what keeps you coming back to serve? 

Mary:  I always said that once I retire, I wanted to give back.  What better place to give back than to The Family Radio Network.  I love the staff at The Family.  They are so kind, fun, and appreciative of everything and anything volunteers do to help.  They are just great!  And I love all the people I have met through helping at the fundraisers.  We are all there for the same reason:  to serve and glorify our great God!  I have made some really nice friendships with the people I have met there.   

Kate:  How have you seen God working through The Family’s ministry?  What would you tell someone considering volunteering? 

Mary:  The stories that I hear daily on the radio of how The Family impacts people’s lives is nothing but the work of our great God.  Only He is able to change lives through a radio station like this one.  I was privileged and honored to take a call at our last fundraiser that was a miracle story.  It gave me chills and warmed my heart. 

Join our Volunteer Team!

If you are looking for a fun, God-filled place to volunteer, come join The Family.

Learn more

Wagging Wisdom: Insights I’ve gained from our 9-year-old, 15-pound Havapoo named Dolly

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My wife Gloria and I walked in the door after being gone a week… and before we could even set our bags down, Dolly is there.  

That little black coat, those quick steps, that unmistakable excitement like she’s been waiting for this exact moment all day, every day for a week.

And it hit me: she didn’t forget. She didn’t move on. She was just waiting for me to come home.  

It’s a small picture, but it carries something deeper.  You and I can go through seasons where God feels distant, not because He left, but because life got loud.  

But James 4:8 says,

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” 

God’s never stopped watching, never stopped loving, never stopped being ready for that moment you turn back toward Him. 

Written by Paul from Afternoons

The 2026 Hygiene Drive Results Are In

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The Family Radio Network’s Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive tops $742,775!

The 34th annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive collected more than $742,775 in hygiene and cleaning supplies, benefiting 139 crisis programs in 22 Wisconsin communities.

More than 1,171 businesses, churches and schools hosted collection boxes for the drive, gathering personal care and cleaning items for local agencies serving individuals and families in need.

The Family partners with local crisis programs and homeless coalitions, inviting community members to donate essential items. The donations help agencies direct limited financial resources toward staffing, housing, nutritious food, education and counseling for those they serve.

Since 1992, the Help for The Homeless Drive has provided $6.7 million in supplies to Wisconsin crisis programs, with donations staying in the communities where they are collected.

A former shelter resident described the impact of the donations:

“After leaving a bad situation, I was living in my car until a space opened in the emergency shelter. When I first got to my room, there was a basket filled with personal care items waiting for me. It was such a relief to take that first shower and finally feel clean and refreshed. It was a new beginning for me.”

A school social worker also highlighted the need:

“When I gave a student a bag containing tampons, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, and shampoo/conditioner, it was as if I’d given her a present – she was that excited and grateful! When your basic needs are not met, something as simple as a bottle of shampoo makes a big difference.”

Thanks to our sponsors!

Festival Foods, Northstar Dental, Security Luebke Roofing, FOX 11 News WLUK, McCain Foods, Brokaw Credit Union, Walgreens, WQOW News 18, Prevail Bank, WAOW 9 News.

Concert Giveaways

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Thanks for visiting The Family Radio Network at our booth. Please fill out the form for a chance to win. You will be notified if you are the winner.

You can also follow The Family on Facebook for contest updates.

PLEASE NOTE: Only ONE entry per adult, 18 and over may submit an entry for each contest.

Review General Contest Rules for details.

Fill out my online form.

Help For The Homeless Hygiene Drive – Agency Expectations

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Please review and acknowledge the expectations for participation in The Family Radio Network’s Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive event.

Agency Expectations:

An agency representative will attend all planning meetings. If an agency representative cannot attend, a substitute will participate in their place, or a make-up session will be scheduled.

Your agency must attend the first and second meetings in August/September to be in the drive that year.

If you are unresponsive to communication (emails or phone calls) and repeatedly absent from meetings without prior notice, this automatically results in a “step down” from the drive for that year and participation in the sorting day.

All information provided to The Family Radio Network can be used by the radio station as it sees fit, in a manner that is fair to all parties involved. Changes and final decisions are made by The Family Radio Network. Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive is owned and trademarked by The Family Radio Network.

You agree, as an agency representative that you will:

  • Assist and communicate throughout the entire H4H Drive.
  • Finish all assigned tasks to the best of my ability.
  • For all press releases, when noting the hygiene drive, you will ensure it states the following:
    The “YOUR AGENCY NAME” is participating in The Family Radio Network’s annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive.
  • The Family Radio brand name and logo should appear on all promotional materials. Changes must be approved by the station Event Coordinator.

You will be involved in all aspects of the collection drive, which include:

  • Provide annual data for The Family Radio Network. The Family Radio Network needs this information for the FCC report to the government.
  • Share impactful stories with The Family Radio Network throughout the year.
  • Distribute boxes and posters to collection sites.
  • Pick up products from collection sites and deliver them to the one (1) main host location for Sorting Day. Note: The Family delivers boxes only to Festival Foods. You must pick up at the end of the drive.
  • Once sorting, counting, and distribution are finished, you will assist in cleaning up the host location.

Fill out my online form.

Help For The Homeless Hygiene Drive – Agency Application

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Please take a few moments to complete this short form to see if you are eligible for participation in The Family Radio Network’s Help For The Homeless Hygiene Drive.

The Family Radio Network is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The Family Radio Network has the right to deny or accept an agency to be a part of this event. If you apply and are not accepted for the upcoming hygiene drive, you are welcome to reapply the following year.

Possible reasons for not being approved:

You do not have programs related to people who are at risk of homelessness or who are homeless.

At this time, there are enough agencies in the area that you can send your clients to get hygiene products.

Fill out my online form.

The Family chats with Phil Wickham

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Amanda from Late Mornings had a chance to catch up with Phil Wickham about life, music, and family! 

Phil Wickham shared about how he met his wife, what he’s thankful for in this season of life and some of the inspiration behind why and how he writes his songs. Listen to the video to learn more!

Lynn is now in the arms of Jesus.

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Lynn is now in the arms of Jesus after her battle with Stage 4 brain cancer. Below you will find a note from Lynn, written before her passing, as well as her obituary and the health update we shared in April.

The Family asks that you please pray for Lynn’s family. If you’d like to send a sympathy card, you can mail it to:  The Family Radio Network, ATTN: The Family of Lynn Garret, 1909 W. Second St., Appleton, WI 54914.

“God is able. He’s our ever-possibility. And He will walk with you, just like He’s walking with me.” – Lynn Garret

A message from Lynn, September 2025

My dear friends,

From all across the state, I have been receiving the most beautiful cards filled with encouragement and prayers. I am truly overwhelmed by your love and support. Please know that every single card has been opened and read. Your words have brought comfort, strength, and reminders of God’s faithfulness.

As we continue on this journey, we trust fully in God’s timing and His perfect plan. We are walking with Him, and we know He is walking with us every step of the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (my husband and family) for your continued prayers.

With love and gratitude, Lynn Garret

Lynn’s Obituary, September 2025

Lynn Garret
June 10, 1955 – September 15, 2025

On September 15, 2025, a wonderful woman, Lynn, received an important call. She was told that her work to spread God’s Word was complete, and it was time to come home. Though she longed to remain with her loved ones, Lynn could not refuse the Lord’s invitation to a place filled with music, dancing, laughter, love, and endless board games.

Lynn’s wish was that her life be celebrated as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, teacher, and servant of God.

Lynn’s joy and love touched everyone she met. She was passionate about education—graduating from Kimberly High School, earning her undergraduate degree from UW–Stevens Point, and completing her master’s in Speech and Language Pathology at Marquette University. Lynn taught for many years in the Green Bay School District, where she made a lasting impact on countless students. In her spare time, Lynn loved to read books. She also cherished her time in women’s bible study. 

For the past 17 years, Lynn was a cherished evening announcer for The Family Radio Network. Through her voice and faith, she inspired and uplifted listeners across Wisconsin. Lynn was deeply grateful for the many cards and wishes from listeners that filled her kitchen walls in her final days.

Lynn will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, immense kindness, and unwavering faith in Jesus. She had a gift for lighting up any room with her warm smile, contagious laughter, and silly dance moves. Adventurous at heart, she loved traveling with Tom—whether visiting Jordan in Florida, ziplining through Kentucky caves, enjoying a Hallmark Christmas in Kansas City, or even trying indoor skydiving. She drew inspiration from people like Michigan photographer Bugsy Sailor, who captured every sunrise, and from the Beam family of Miracles from Heaven, the movie.

Lynn faced her cancer diagnosis with the same tenacity and grace that defined her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and courage that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Jordan; her husband Thomas; her faithful companion pup, Little Laz, and her bonus children Jenna (Matthew), Aaron, Laura, and Cassie (Jeff), and Holly. Her beloved grandchildren include Annika, Avery (Jake), and Cooper; Brielle, Ethan, and Anna; Joshua, Audrey, and Harper.

The family is deeply blessed for the compassionate care of Unity Hospice’s dedicated nurses whose kindness brought comfort and peace to Lynn during her final journey, especially Bailey, Sue, Sarah and Ashley. Lynn will be deeply missed but forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her. The Lord has welcomed her home, saying:  “Well done, good and faithful servant… you have finished the race well.”

Lynn’s health update, April 2025

The voice of Paul Cameron from Afternoons: Hey friend, I’m so glad you’re listening today. You know, we often talk about how God is our protector—how He walks with us in every season, even the ones we never saw coming. I want to share a powerful journey from someone who has spent years behind the mic encouraging you and I with that very truth—our dear friend, Lynn Garrett.

It was Sunday, April 27th. Lynn was driving from Green Bay to Appleton when she suddenly became disoriented. Her hand wouldn’t move properly, and she knew something was wrong. She managed to pull into a driveway, called her husband Tom, and even walked to the house nearby for help. That’s when the first miracles began.

Michael, the man inside, saw her Family Radio hat and welcomed her in. His daughter—a nurse—checked on Lynn. His wife called 911. And Michael prayed right then and there. Angels in human form, no doubt about it. God protected her on that road, and He placed a godly family right in her path.

At the hospital, Lynn learned she had a glioblastoma—an aggressive brain tumor. But even in that news, she kept her eyes on Jesus. A few days later, she woke up with these words in her spirit: “I want to be in the Lazarus Club.” She prayed boldly—as a friend of Jesus—for healing. And when she woke up from surgery, she spoke to her daughter, knew her family, and could move and talk. Another miracle.

Now, after much prayer, Lynn and Tom have decided not to pursue further treatment. They’re trusting God completely—for healing, for more time, for peace. Lynn says it best: “I’m in a win-win situation. Either I stay here, or I go home to Jesus.”

She asks that we pray for her family—for strength, for hope, and for a miracle. And after 17 years of sharing encouragement with each of us, she wants you to know: 

“God is able. He’s our ever-possibility. And He will walk with you, just like He’s walking with me.” In Christ’s love, Lynn Garrett.