The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Liberty County Manna House on Friday, Sept. 3, to celebrate their new facility at 306 Memorial Drive in Hinesville.
Manna House Board President, Reverend Alvin Jackson welcomed those in attendance and introduced the speakers for the ceremony. Jimmy Shanken, Chairman of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, congratulated the Executive Director of the Manna House, Reverend Katrina Deason and thanked her for continuing her work in Liberty County.
Deason thanked everyone and said she was thrilled for this day.
“It’s been a long-time coming,” she said of the new building. “I’m excited about it.
Deason explained how they had to tear down the old building and built a new food bank for the community.
“The Lord was kind to use and we had a donor and he helped us build this building,” Deason said. The new building has a new kitchen and an area where people can sit and eat.
“The building is designed to fit what we do,” Deason said. “It will allow us to serve more people.”
Deason said they’ve gone from feeding 800-900 people a month to over 2,000 people a month due to the pandemic.
Deason said their first drive through food drive at their new building is set for this Saturday.
Those in attendance included State Representative Al Williams, Chairman Donald Lovette with the Liberty County Board of Commissioners, Councilman Karl Riles, Councilwoman Diana Reid and Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Colonel Manuel Ramirez, who offered brief remarks and congratulations to Reverend Deason and praised the diligent work of the Liberty County Manna House. Lastly, Bishop Donald Battle offered the dedication and prayer over the building.
Williams offered to take Deason to the state legislator’s office so she could be properly recognized for the work she and her group does for the community.
Williams also said Manna House has always treated those in need with great respect and dignity as it should be during troubled times.
“Because you never know what tomorrow will hold,” he said.
Interstate Credit Union present Manna House with a check for $1,000 during the event.
About Manna House:
The Manna House is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate hunger and food insecurity within our community by providing perishable and non-perishable food distribution, soup kitchen and promoting nutrition.
About the Liberty Chamber of Commerce:
Established in 1976, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to support new and existing business, trade and industry within Liberty County, while increasing the cultural, civic, educational and overall quality of life of its citizens. The Chamber and its’ 500 members are committed to enhancing the local business climate and maintaining a high quality of life in the community.