On Sunday, March 9, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, the Board of Trustees of MANNA! (Moore Alliance Nourishing Neighbors, Amen!) honored the volunteers who prepare and serve free lunches at the organization's four serving sites.

Approximately 125 volunteers were served three different homemade soups, Panera bread and desserts. Entertainment was provided by members of the Joyful Noise Singers from Page Memorial United Methodist Church.

Don Barcus, president of MANNA!'s Board of Trustees, thanked the volunteers who are an essential part of fulfilling the organization's mission to provide nourishing meals in a safe, warm and caring environment, free of charge, to anyone who comes seeking nourishment.

Over 200 volunteers are involved in this local ministry to the hungry. There are 17 cook teams that prepare lunches for the four hospitality sites. The Panera Bread Company has also become an important member of the MANNA! team. The restaurant donates leftover bakery items to MANNA! Three evenings a week, MANNA! volunteers pick up the items, bag them and give them out at the serving sites the following day.

Since MANNA! began operation in September 2005, over 20,000 lunches have been served at four Moore County sites: on Tuesdays at Spaulding Chapel AME Zion Church, Taylortown; Wednesdays at Trinity AME Zion Church, Southern Pines; and Word of Truth Christian Center Vass; and Thursdays at Love Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Jackson Hamlet.

Barcus reports that MANNA! plans to expand to six serving sites in 2008.

MANNA! is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization. Funding for the organization comes from community-wide contributions, grants, gifts, and fundraising events. Among the fundraising events planned for 2008 are the MANNA! In Motion 4th Annual 5K Race and One Mile Fun Run on Saturday, June 7, and a Golf Marathon on Friday, Sept. 12, at Pinewild Country Club.

The MANNA! in Motion Fun Run will begin at the corner of Ridge Street and New York Avenue in Southern Pines at 8:30 a.m., with the 5K Race beginning at 9 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to become a sponsor for the 5K Race may contact H.A. Slate at 281-4859. Contributions to support this local ministry to the hungry may be made by mailing a check to: MANNA!, P.O. Box 1081, Southern Pines, NC 28388-1081.