News

1. Turkey Tossing Tuesday was a resounding success! Thank you from the 652 FAMILIES (and some individuals) that received weekly groceries PLUS all of the fixings for Thanksgiving. This equates to 652 adults, 582 children and 158 seniors for a total of 1392 individuals! WELL DONE!! In addition, hot chocolate, yummy sandwiches, 4 different kinds of soup, oatmeal, coffee, water and mac and cheese were the vittles that kept the line moving and FABULOUS VOLUNTEERS ready and able to assist!! Last year 411 families were served. You have all gone above and beyond to impact and improve the lives of others in these difficult days. I am truly THANKFUL for all of you and your support!

2. Construction has begun! The laundry room is back together with a new toilet installed. Also a sink has been installed in the new dental suite! Inspectors have been in and out checking things and more changes will be accomplished in the days to come. The patient chair and autoclave arrived last week. We need a few good hands to tape and mud sheetrock, then sand and paint. We would like our Dental Suite to be as professional as the Medical Clinic!! (4 dentists and 4 hygienists have stated they would volunteer time!)

3. Connecticut Food Insecurity

4. Couponing feeds Kelly Massoni's family and helps stock Master's Manna

5. Empty Plates Empty Pockets Campaign

6. Master's Manna has assisted many new families in the recent months. During June we helped 88 new families, July 78 new families and during August 110 new families.

7. As of August 31st Master's Manna has helped 3759 individuals during 2011 so far.

8. Beginning October 1, 2011 our Meriden individuals/families will be able to access this food pantry the second and fourth weeks of each month. This is an effort to increase the use of the Meriden food pantries by Meriden residents which will in turn increase the amount of food the food pantries are able to obtain from the Connecticut Food Bank.

9. During the early part of September Master's Manna received a phone call from Amani, the White House Scheduling Secretary for President Obama informing us that President Obama did get our invitation to visit and his schedule would not permit a visit at this time.

10. Master's Manna has gone international! Janaman Swalsing a gentleman from India is on a 9 month sabbatical here in the US spending some of his time observing a non-profit in New Haven, His work in India is ministering to those living in the slums. He will be coming to Master's Manna this afternoon.
    Yasmine, a student volunteer whose parents are visiting the US from Belgium on business with Bristol-Myers Squibb will be spending 3 days with us next week. Her Dad called from Belgium yesterday morning to confirm arrangements.
    We are VERY honored to welcome both of these individuals to our extended family!

Statistics

1. During 2010 Master's Manna served 3,751 individuals (not including medical/dental clinic or non emergency medical transportation). 1121 are from Wallingford. 2303 are from Meriden, the rest from surrounding towns and 18 were HOMELESS!!