Daily Manna Center director describes services to Rotarians

“We’re fortunate; we have a lot of giving people,” remarked Deacon
Tommy Adams as he described the startup and services provided needy families by the Daily Manna Christian Service Center.
Adams, who spearheaded the establishment of a new Christian Service Center two years ago, reported the center provides 40 to 50 pound boxes of food each month to about 100 local families.
In its first year, the Center conducted a food drive which collected five and a half tons of food and about $2,000 in cash donations. This year, the food drive collected about one and a half tons of food and household items and about $200 in cash donations.
The Center, Adams explained, accepts all donations of clothes, food staples, baby items and household appliances. “Nothing is turned down, he said.
On the first Saturday of each month, the Center invites the public to purchase items “for pennies on the dollar” with those funds used to  cover operating expenses, such as utilities. The building located at 600 Section Street, is provided rent-free by Roland and Janet Boudreaux.
He also noted added funds are generated from the sale of torn or worn donated clothing to a company which pays two cents per pound and  creates rags.
The Center, in cooperation with the city, assist needy residents with their utility bills and by referring them to other agencies, such as ASSIST Agency.
Daily Manna also aids transients who need a night’s lodging, emergency food or gasoline to continue their travels, said Adams.
All monetary aid is provided by check; no cash is given directly to the needy. He pointed out all checks required  two signatures.
Adams said the Center is supervised by a board of ten members and managed by a volunteer husband and wife.
The Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Adams invited Rotarians to learn more by visiting the Center in person.
In other business, club members welcomed Curt Petitjean, who with Grant Broussard, was sponsored  to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program this summer at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park.
Although initially hesitant, Petitjean reported, “I enjoyed the who experience,” adding he acquired new insights.
Petijean is a Notre Dame High School graduate who plans to attend ULL and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering this fall.