SHAMOKIN - The quarterly meeting of Manna for the Many Board of Directors was held April 24 at the food pantry.
Just prior to the meeting, Friends Helping Friends, an organization sponsored by the Home Plate, Shamokin, presented a check for $716 to the Rev. Betty Ford, board president. The organization held a "soup war" fundraiser to benefit the food pantry. The board expressed appreciation to Sue Feese, representing Friends Helping Friends, and Drew Kramer, the winner of the competition, for their support of Manna for the Many.
Ford opened the meeting with prayer. The secretary's and treasurer's reports were submitted and accepted.
Grethel Vinup presented the quarterly report. There were 744 visits to the food pantry, averaging 60 visits per week. A total of 10,410 food items were given out. Manna currently has 644 clients, with 49 new clients signing up this quarter.
There was discussion about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the possibility of purchasing food there for distribution at Manna. Since further information will be needed before making a decision, the matter was tabled until the next quarterly meeting.
Seventeen churches participated in the 2013 Souper Bowl of Caring held on Super Bowl Sunday in February, donating $1,759 and 1,278 food items to Manna.
The volunteer appreciation dinner, held April 16 at St. John's United Church of Christ, was attended by 38 volunteers. The board is very grateful to all the food pantry volunteers who so generously give of their time and talent. Board members noted the food pantry would not be possible without volunteers. More volunteers are needed. Anyone who is interested can call Pamala Rhoades at 644-1926.
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. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 129, Shamokin 17872.
The next quarterly board of directors meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the food pantry, 144 E. Independence St. All meetings are open to the public. The board invites and encourages all interested persons to attend.
The Rev. Robert Peiffer closed the meeting with prayer.