Rules

Sometimes it seems we have too many rules. Rules for our guests, like:

• Turn off your cell phone
• No asking for money, rides or cigarettes
• Stay out of the refrigerators
• No take-out meals

The list goes on and on. For the most part they protect the guests and make things somewhat easier for the volunteers, although at times guests and volunteers alike don't remember all the rules.

We have one primary rule for those who serve at Manna: that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. It's a simple, yet big rule. We try to remember that most everyone that comes to eat at Manna would rather not have to come; that they don't have much of a choice. For many of us, we are just one significant life event away from having to rely on others... for a kind word, a caring smile, a bowl of soup...