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Philadelphia
This month we're heading on over to Philadelphia!
Be sure to visit our opportunities page for
more information about serving with us in "City of Brotherly Love".
News from the Philadelphia City Director
The holidays are a very busy time for many people. There’s so much to do,
so many people to see and lots of places to go. No one knows that better than the staff and
volunteers at MANNA, an organization that provides meals to anyone who is nutritionally at
risk in the Philadelphia area. MANNA has been around since the early 90’s. They originally
focused on providing meals to anyone with HIV/AIDS. About two years ago they expanded their
mission to include anyone who is nutritionally at risk. This may include people who have
diabetes, cancer, or any other life threatening illness.
Kristin and I are so privileged to work with this amazing organization. We
have been taking part in some of the holiday craziness. It all begins a few weeks before
Thanksgiving when they have their biggest fundraiser called Pie in the Sky. Their goal this
year was to sell 13,000 pies and raise $325,000. People buy a pie for $25-35 and this pays
for a family to have a whole Thanksgiving meal. It is an incredible production that requires
many volunteers to unload, pack, deliver and sell pies. The pies are absolutely delicious!
Another yearly event at MANNA is their volunteer appreciation party. Since
about 90% of MANNA’s work is done by volunteers they go all out in order to thank the people
who continue to support them. We were very excited to be able to attend for the first time
this year. The party was held at the Hyatt. We enjoyed a live band, a delicious meal and even
got to hear Dwight Evans (2007 mayoral candidate) speak. The amazing part about all of this was
that the entire thing was completely donated, right down to the tablecloths.
We left the party knowing that CSM is just a small part of what goes on in the
city of Philadelphia. There are many people here who care about the city and the people in it,
all year round, and especially around the holidays. It’s a busy time for MANNA, but the best part
about it is that their service does not end once the holidays are over. They will continue to
serve and meet many needs all year round. We are very thankful to have the opportunity to partner
with them and be a part of their service in the city.
You can check out Manna’s website or
their Fall Newsletter learn
more about what they are doing. Check out Page 3 of the Fall Newsletter to learn how CSM has had an
impact at MANNA!
-Krista Perry, CSM Philadelphia City Director
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