The Conifer

Article in The Conifer Newspaper

February 2012

Though these may be troubled times, there is a place in our community where neighbors work together to give one another hope and encouragement. The Samaritan Center an old-fashioned roll-up-your-sleeves approach to emergency, hunger, and need. Your grandparents would recognize and understand the food bank, volunteers, Thrift Shop, and  focus on God. There has been a warm feeling within these for 23 years now, and we are more dedicated than ever to meet the needs of those who have so little.

In an effort to reach more people, we have brought Krista Carpenter on as our new Development Director. She is helping us to expand the walls of the Center, especially as we reach out to local businesses and community leaders to partner with us in our mission to identify and respond compassionately to emergencies our local families face, like health problems or the loss of a job. With the same spirit we have always had, we are looking toward the future, ready to grow and serve our community in new ways. The Samaritan Center is voting on a long-range study that will take a comprehensive look at those needs and the role this ministry can take toward solutions that will make real differences in the lives of the families we serve.

One goal that I have for the Center is to add more nutrition to the baskets of food we share with families. As you probably know, food banks rely on non-perishables to make up the lion’s share of the food we give away: canned goods, boxed cereals, dry rice, beans, and pasta, etc. It’s difficult to add produce and meats because of the need for refrigeration and freezer space, but these are the foods that everyone needs, especially those who are suffering with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and other illnesses. I am praying that we will soon have community gardens and personal gardens where people “plant a row” for us to supplement our current goods with these healthy, unprocessed foods!

There’s always a lot going on at the Center and we’re really excited to announce the AARP Style Show that will feature beautiful garments that the frugal fashionista can find at Gran’s Attic Thrift Shop. The show is scheduled for March 15 at 1 PM at the Spitzfadden Center to raise food donations for the Samaritan Center Food Bank. Guests are welcome. Clothing will be modeled by AARP members and it is sure to be great fun for all! Please call Edna Treuting for information. 985-674-7981.

Because of organizations like AARP, schools, businesses, and dedicated friends who love this ministry, we impacted nearly 9000 people last year! Food drives, clothing donations, and financial help all added up to make that possible. 2012 already looks like it’s going to be an even bigger year than ever before. Foods that we need now are vegetables, hot and cold cereals, canned meats, canned milk, and dry beans.

WAIT! I am going to make your day. You know all those Mardi Gras beads the kids are catching and dragging into your closets, garages, and attics? You know, the ones they’re piling onto the beads from last year. Want to find a new home for them and transform them from clutter to treasure? Bring them to Gran’s Attic and we will raise money with them to support people right here in your local community. Throw them in the back seat and drop them off between 10 AM on Monday to 2 PM on Friday. We also need lightly used Spring clothing and shoes in adult and child sizes, costume jewelry, small appliances, and household items.

It takes a lot of volunteers to keep this ship on course and we keep them busy at the Samaritan Center and Gran’s Attic Thrift Shop. If you’re looking for a place to get plugged in and to meet lots of interesting people with a passion for service, give us a call at 985-626-4457 or drop into our office at 402 Girod Street in Mandeville. We’d love to meet you, find a place for you to volunteer, or just listen to your ideas and input about our ministry.