This month, Froggy 102.7 and First State Bank are shining our Heart For Hart spotlight on the Friends of the Elkhart County Parks — and once you hear what they do, we think you’ll want to pitch in too.

Since 1995, this 501(c)3 volunteer group has given local donors and volunteers a way to directly support our county park system. And when we say directly — we mean it. 100% of every donation goes toward building a stronger, more sustainable Elkhart County Parks system, and it’s tax deductible.

So what does that support actually go toward? The Friends focus on three big things:

• Preservation — protecting the county’s cultural, historical, and natural resources elkhartcountyparks
• Recreation — enhancing quality of life through outdoor recreation opportunities elkhartcountyparks
• Education — interpretive education resources for the whole community, no matter your age elkhartcountyparks

Think about the last time you walked the trails at Ox Bow, wandered DeFries Gardens, cooled off at River Preserve, or brought the kids to a Bug Night at Cobus Creek. None of that happens by accident — it takes real people showing up with real support behind the scenes.

If you’d like to adopt a specific project, you can even call the Friends directly at 574-535-6458. Or mail a donation to:

Friends of the Elkhart County Parks
101 N. Main St., 1st Floor
Goshen, IN 46526

Our parks are one of the best things about calling Elkhart County home. This month, Froggy 102.7 and First State Bank are asking you to help keep it that way — give your Heart For Hart to the Friends of the Elkhart County Parks.