Christmas came a little early for the folks at Manna House. And the elves delivering the gifts were the local realtors from Coldwell Banker Holtzman Realtors and Southern Coast Properties.
Owner Leigh Smiley said the project started out as an employee challenge to each other.
“We told them for every food item they brought in they had a chance to win a prize,” Smiley said. “With a little friendly competition and a lot of generosity, the agents and staff delivered over 2,800 items in less than a week.
Smiley said each year she and her staff explore different ways they can give back to the community, “That gives so much to us, the community where we work, live and play,” she said. “There are so many organizations who need our support throughout the year and especially during Christmas. Collectively, we decided that the Manna House goes above and beyond for families and individuals in need in our community and this season, they would receive the support of our agents.”
On Dec. 16 the group boxed up the 2,800 food items they collected and delivered them to Manna House.
Manna House Executive Director Pastor Katrina Deason said the food donation was timely and a huge blessing.
“This donation came at a great time,” she said. “This week we began special food issues for Christmas. It will give needy families a little something extra on the table for the Holidays. Manna House is grateful for our community partnerships.”
Smiley said she has an amazing team and was thrilled that they took on the task for the joy of helping others. She said everyone pitched in and credited her entire staff for stepping up this holiday season.
“The agents and staff who contributed are: Jody and Leigh Smiley, Luis Lopez, David Cargill Jr., Dagmar and Brian Madden, Jimmy and Brigitte Shanken, Jeanne Evans, Crystal Gaddy, Brian Maike, Skyler Wingate, Justin Zieman, Marilyn Knowles, Kallie Breningstall, Nikki Gaskin, Jennifer Driggers, Courtney Arnold, Shcoby Griffin, Elizabeth Dunaway, Kim Payne, Brittany Arroyo, Amanda Chapman, Kelley Jackson, Annette Taylor, Amy Vizcarra, Jennifer Rodriguez, Crystal Ashdown, Ernie Ontano, Raquel Baxley and Miranda Rush,” Smiley said noting there were many others who also chipped in.
“This giving nature didn’t stop with our company, we also received support from RTS Homes, JM Allen Homes, Osteen Law Group, Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Ameris Bank, Yates Astro, SWBC Mortgage, Jared Lott - Broadstead Media/ Horned Coffee, Dryden Enterprises, Southern Coast Properties, Jody Smiley Landscaping, Preachers Properties Maintenance, Low Country Turf and Ornamental, Melissa Carter Ray- State Farm, and Mark Evans Home Inspectors. They did all of this in five days,” she said. “And we can’t wait to do this again next year.”