New space for Manna House, new demands too

Jill Brackett-Coppler

(Updated: Thursday, December 11, 2008, 2:23 PM)

"You know what? I'm not worried," said Manna House volunteer and former director, Troy West. "I've seen time and again, when the need grows, God and this community somehow meet the demand."

And this year, the need is growing. As the economy weighs heavy on many families this holiday season, Manna House has seen its costs rise from an average expenditure of $2,000 per month on groceries to the same amount each week.

Director Tom Nicolulis said he expects as many as 350 families to sign up for this year's Christmas dinner giveaway at Yosemite New Life Church Dec. 22. The organization gave away 250 last year.

At Thanksgiving the organization gave away 400 turkeys -- its biggest giveaway ever -- and had to stop sign-ups a week early. In years past, the group had typically seen six to 12 families sign up on the first day, but this year the number more than doubled with 35 families.

"The demand is certainly growing," Nicolulis said. "But I've learned not to be anxious about anything." He attributes much of the growth to the declining economy.

And yet, despite the pocket pinch, Manna House has received a few early Christmas gifts.

A $250,000 grant from Chukchansi along with $100,000 from private donations and memorials will buy the organization a new home on the property of the Yosemite New Life Church -- and what's better, the church property is being donated.

The land being leased -- located on the church parking lot -- is essentially a donation over 20 years of $240,000 (the estimated cost of a 20-year lease). The donated fulfills a match requirement for the Chukchansi grant.

Manna House also recently received a $2,700 check from a one-day fundraiser led by the Kiwanis.

"This is a fantastic giving community," West said.

For information, (559) 683-6262. Manna House is located at 50407 Hangtree Lane Oakhurst, CA 93644. Christmas giveaway sign ups end Tuesday.