This past Spring, the space in the Dayton Mall that formerly housed Sears was transformed into the home of Crossroads Church. Much more than a place of worship, Crossroads is a hub for giving back, where neighbors come together to grow and strengthen their local community.
“We believe world change starts at home, and by showing up for the needs of our own neighborhoods, we create ripples that can change the world,” shares Crossroads ReachOut Director, Grant Doepel.
With eight locations across Ohio and Kentucky, Crossroads works to give back to each community in ways that fit that community’s specific needs. “We work hand in hand with each Crossroads site and its surrounding community to identify local partners and create programs tailored to meet that community’s unique needs. Our focus is always on listening first and building solutions that last,” explains Grant.
Through the Go Local program, Crossroads connects volunteers with organizations making a real impact locally, including BOGG Ministries’ mobile food pantry, the Dayton Dream Center, One City for Recovery and the South Dayton Emergency Response Team.
“We have a saying at Crossroads: ‘We go.’ To serve others, you need to go where there’s a need. That could be your next-door neighbor or that could be someone halfway around the world,” reflects Jason King, co-leader of the Crossroads Mason Eco team.
One excellent example of this is the Mason Community Garden, which launched in the spring of 2024 to provide fresh produce to the Mason Food Pantry.
“Food insecurity is all around us. It is not a problem for other people, somewhere else. It is our neighbors. No matter which community you live in, there are people who need help,” notes Jason.
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, the Crossroads community receives a shopping list and fills large boxes with enough food to provide a full holiday meal for an entire family. Those boxes are then distributed through partner organizations to families in need. Each year, this effort reaches 13,000 families, feeding more than 110,000 people across communities where Crossroads has sites.
“One year, we delivered a set of food boxes to a substance recovery home providing Thanksgiving meals to men in the midst of addiction recovery. For them, it wasn’t just about the turkey and sides, but it was a taste of belonging, a reminder that people believe in their future,” recalls Grant.
Beyond the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Crossroads works year-round to address food insecurity through various programs and partnerships. Volunteers prepare and serve dinner every Friday at the City Gospel Mission homeless shelter. Grant describes the impact simply: “Week after week, this act of consistency reminds each man he is seen, valued and not forgotten.”
Weekly, monthly and annual service opportunities allow volunteers to prepare meals, sort donations and distribute food, ensuring that neighbors in need have reliable access to nutrition and resources beyond the holiday season. “Crossroads works alongside trusted partners, both locally and around the globe, to fight food insecurity in a way that goes beyond simply handing out meals. Together we create holistic, sustainable solutions that help individuals and families move from hunger to lasting stability,” explains Grant.
Through year-round programs like Go Local, community initiatives such as the Mason Community Garden and seasonal giving efforts like the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Crossroads puts words into action. By meeting needs close to home and beyond, the church helps neighbors, nourishes the community and shows how we can truly grow together.
Opportunities to make a difference are always available. Anyone interested can explore ways to serve and find a role that fits their passion, schedule and skills at Crossroads.net.