support

Walking by this old barn, you could almost hear the moaning and shifting of the structure. The side roof looks like it should have given up years ago, but it continues to stand. Now a simple 2x4 keeps it from crashing to the earth.

It reminded me of our work at Manna. What we often do is a temporary fix... we help pay the rent for an elderly couple, cover the utilities for a young family, take care of a prescription for a single mom. They creak, they struggle to make it, and we step in to prop them up so they can make it to the next day. It's not elaborate or fancy, just necessary. We keep them from crashing.

Multiplication Theory

Stephanie, Maddie and Sarah had an idea. They were going to make custom bookmarkers, sell them and give the proceeds to Manna on Main Street. After successfully marketing and making a variety of bookmarks, they wound up with $50. A pretty nice result.

But then, the multiplication factor kicked in. One of the parents decided to match their contribution. Then an uncle said he would do the same. After that, a local business promised to match what they raised. In the end, the girls were able to donate $250. This proved to be a very valuable lesson for them - they learned that by doing something small, but with great care, they can help inspire others to do good . It is instructive for us as well...

Nobody of the Year Award

This past week, Manna on Main Street was recognized as the Non-Profit of the Year, by the North Penn Chamber of Commerce. Naturally, we approciate the award, because it helps validate what we do and recognizes the 1,000+ volunteers that make our works possible.

There's one volunteer in particular that makes this award particulalry meaningful. We'll call him Sammy. He would certainly qualify as a nobody. Sammy is a special adult with autism. He regularly shows up at Manna on Main Street events and helps with the mundane tasks of moving tables and chairs, emptying the trash. He tends to keep to himself, so no one really notices him. Sammy never complains, looks for any special recognition or asks for anything; he just does what we ask of him. Sammy will probably never win any award, but it is people like him that make Manna a special place... a place where everyone is welcome and can make a difference.

Let Them Eat Quiche

It was in May 2006. Leah, then a student at the University of Maryland, came to Manna on Main Street with a couple trays of quiche. Then a few days later she arrived with more... then a week later, even more. She finally explained that she was working on a project - an art sculpture for school. Each day she would take eggs, poke a hole in each end and use a syringe to blow-out the egg. Leah would then bake the shells to strengthen than, and rather than waste the eggs, decided to make quiche for Manna's guests. Not only was she creative in her project, she also stretched her thinking in what good she could do with the "waste". Perhaps we can all think a little harder on how we can contribute... take the left-overs in our lives and put them to better use.

Cinco de Mayo meets Mayo de Sinko

Each year Manna on Main Street celebrates Cinco de Mayo by asking groups to collect jars of mayonnaise for our food pantry. We ask groups to take this on as a project and encourage them to decorate the jars with a Mexican theme. This year 8th & 9th grade students from Tohickon Middle School in Doylestown participated and provided mayo with some very cool decorations. Some of the folks who came in for food were a little puzzled at first when they saw their food had dresses, hats and eyeballs, but they appreciated having mayonnaise available (most folks don't think of donating it). So in the end, the students had fun and our clients enjoyed it as well.

Packed In

One of the challenges, and yet part of the fun, is having groups in to serve at Manna on Main Street. While the kitchen is small and our dining area can accomodate only 20 guests, it proves to be a rewarding experience for everyone. And so different groups will show up... church groups, Brownies, Scouts, business teams... in the end, people are fed and those who serve are satisfied as well.

Sign of the Times - Part II

The sign on our front lawn was looking worn (see Post dated Jan. 7, 2008), so we asked one of our volunteers to remove it so the sign could be repainted. To refinish the sign, Derstine Sandblasting in Souderton sandblasted the sign at no charge, Sign-A-Rama in Lansdale donated their services to paint the sign, then Gouldey Welding of Souderton welded the sign to its post free of charge.

The generosity of these individuals and companies is a true reflection of our community. From the donation of the building, to putting the finishing touches to the sign, many good people support the cause of serving people in need by giving what they can.