SHAMOKIN - The quarterly meeting of Manna for the Many Board of Directors was held Jan. 22 at the food pantry.
Board President Betty Ford opened the annual budget meeting with prayer. After approval of the 2014 budget, the regular meeting continued.
Ron Manney, of Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunbury Street, explained the church was offered a challenge grant for outreach service work from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Manna for the Many has been chosen as beneficiary of this grant. For every dollar donated to Manna between Dec. 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, the Thrivent Foundation will give 50 cents, up to $5,000. The board thanked Manney and Trinity Lutheran Church for their enthusiasm and continued support of the food pantry.
The secretary's and treasurer's reports were submitted and accepted.
Grethel Vinup presented the quarterly report. There were 785 visits to the food pantry during this period, averaging 60 to 70 visits per week, with 1,132 items distributed per week. A total of 12,454 food items were given out during the quarter.
Vinup also provided the 2013 year-end report. Manna took in 48,800 food items - 20,826 items donated and the rest purchased with monetary donations. There were 3,008 total client visits in 2013, with a distribution of 47,545 food items.
Pastor Dave Wildoner reported that Manna for the Many is now able to order food items from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. He and Pam Rhoades took care of all paperwork needed and Manna will make all purchase soon. Wildoner will coordinate all purchases.
Chosen as officers were Wildoner, president; Gene Boughner, vice president; Rhoades, secretary, Lucille Lubeskie, treasurerm and Jeanne Romanic, correspondence secretary. The board thanked Ford, outgoing president, for her dedication and service.
Peggy Timko, volunteer coordinator, reported Manna is in need of volunteers to help distribute food to clients. While the pantry is open three days each week for distribution, help is especially needed from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Sue at 570-648-0736.
Manna welcomes both food donations and monetary donations to the food pantry. Monetary donations can be made in memory of or in honor of someone and can be mailed to P.O. Box 129, Shamokin 17872.
The next quarterly board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the food pantry, 144 E,Independence St. All meetings are open to the public.