This month, the Outreach Committee is excited to recognize and celebrate the important work of The Manna Center.  This organization provides essential support to vulnerable individuals and families in our community, and they are always grateful for additional volunteers and donations.  Read on to learn how you can come alongside them in their ministry.

Each client who visits The Manna Center is welcomed with a brief interview and needs assessment.  The center is committed to serving every qualified client at least once.  For return visits, clients are asked to provide a photo ID and proof of residence within the service area.  During each visit, Manna Center advisors take time to listen carefully to the challenges clients are facing.  When appropriate, they connect individuals and families with trusted resources through partnerships across Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.

A significant part of The Manna Center’s ministry is carried out through its food pantry, which provides nutritious food thoughtfully portioned to match each household’s size.  The pantry is sustained by generous food drives and donations from churches, nonprofits, and community members.

Another vital ministry is the thrift clothing store, which offers free clothing to clients based on individual needs.  All donated items are carefully sorted, washed, and prepared.  Proceeds from public sales directly support The Manna Center’s mission and help expand their ability to serve.

Volunteers are truly the heart of The Manna Center.  From preparing food and clothing to delivering donations and assisting clients, their faithful service makes this work possible.  If you have a heart for serving the vulnerable in our community and are looking for a place to get involved, The Manna Center is a wonderful place to begin.  FPC Siloam regularly does food drives to collect nonperishable items to donate to The Manna Center.  The next one is during our after church potluck on May 31st!  Additionally, if you have clothing to donate the Manna Center accepts donations for their thrift store.  The center’s office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00–11:30 a.m.  You are welcome to stop by to drop off donations and ask about volunteer opportunities, or you can speak with Phyllis Thurman to learn more about how to get involved.