Donations that save lives.
Make a difference with end-of-year giving.
By Courtney Hays
As we become wrapped up in the holiday season, we prepare for cherished traditions and time spent with loved ones. There’s no doubt this time of year brings a flurry of excitement (albeit mixed with a little stress). Throughout it all, we reflect on the year’s ups and downs. We take stock of all that we’re grateful for and remember this is a season of giving. We remember those in our community who are working to overcome the challenges of the year. We remember that there are hardworking members of countless organizations stepping up to ensure that our neighbors have lifesaving access to food, supplies and care — not just during the holiday season, but year-round. Organizations like Manna Food Pantries, United Ministries and Escambia County Healthy Start are a reminder of just how powerful community can be. As we reflect on the coming of a new year, remember how powerful you are in making a difference.
Manna Food Pantries
Manna Food Pantries “believes every person has the right to be free of hunger and to be treated with respect and dignity.” It is an unfortunate reality that over 10% of families struggle with food insecurity. However, for more than 42 years, Manna has stepped in to provide vital food assistance to our neighbors right here in northwest Florida.
According to Kerri Smayda, associate executive director, “Manna seeks out gaps in service where we can assist food-insecure, vulnerable populations in a meaningful way.”
Last year, “60% of the people helped by Manna were those under the age of 18,” she said.
In addition to their Emergency Food Assistance Program, they offer 18 specialty programs dedicated to helping families, children, seniors, service members, and ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed) individuals, all completely free of charge.
As a grassroots organization, Manna receives no government funding and has no national affiliation. The funding they do receive comes from the very community they serve. Despite their local backing, they are not immune to the harmful effects of budget cuts and economic instability. As budget cuts amplify the need for support, they also reduce the donations necessary to meet that demand, creating a challenging imbalance.
Want to help?
Donations have an immediate impact. At Manna, “91 cents of every dollar” goes directly to services, and they take great care to “carry out evidence-based work so donors have confidence their contributions are making a difference.” On their website under “I Want to Donate,” you can find a list of in-demand food items such as:
Fruit in 100% juice (cans 20 oz. or smaller and peel-top cups)
Mixed vegetables (cans 16 oz. or smaller and peel-top cups)
Oatmeal (boxes of single-serve packets)
Chicken and tuna (cans 12.5 oz. or smaller; pouches; and to-go kits)
Peanut butter (16.3 oz. jars or smaller; individual to-go cups)
Microwaveable dinners (e.g., Hormel Compleats)
Canned dinners (low sodium; stew, chicken and dumplings, etc.)
Canned beans
Canned soup (low sodium)
Smayda emphasizes “the goal is to provide the healthiest food possible.” Other undamaged, nonperishable food donations are always welcome and can be dropped off at 3030 North E Street in Pensacola. On the same page of their website, you can also find links to their Amazon and Walmart wish lists.
Join the Fight Against Hunger
Participating in the fight to end hunger takes many shapes. From cleaning out the pantries to volunteering during the holidays or hosting a food drive within your community, there are many ways to get involved. The “I Want to Participate” link on their page makes it easy to connect with them. Volunteers can also call 850-432-2053 and ask for Cheri, their volunteer manager.
Mission: Fighting Hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties
Info: 850-432-2053; mannahelps.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
QR Code will take you to their donation page
United Ministries
When families are on the brink of crisis, United Ministries steps in to help. Composed of local churches, individuals, two staff members and volunteers, they provide financial, spiritual and emotional assistance when it is needed most. Driven by faith, they help pay rent, mortgage and utilities for families facing a variety of challenges. Jenn Lusher, executive director, notes that families turn to United Ministries “as a last line of defense. We’re seeing people on the verge of losing their homes, going without basic necessities, and struggling to survive.”
Lusher shared the story of a father raising newborn twins after the tragic loss of his wife. Juggling two jobs, he fell behind on bills when a broken foot left him unable to work. United Ministries stepped in with rent assistance, and today, he and his daughters are thriving.
“It’s about walking alongside families in their hardest moments. At the heart of our work is this simple truth: When families are supported, whole communities thrive,” Lusher said.
Over the next few months, United Ministries is undergoing a rebranding initiative.
“It’s more than a new logo or look, it’s a chance for us to share who we are, what we do and how our community can engage with our mission,” she explained.
During this time, they will meet with members old and new to create the next chapter. While they may have a new look, the mission will always be centered on emergency assistance and “helping people build stability, confidence and a future they can believe in.”
Project Transformation
While some hardships occur suddenly, others are rooted in deeper, cyclical issues. Project Transformation, a newer initiative by United Ministries, seeks to educate and empower families in five areas: financial stability, affordable child care, affordable housing, affordable transportation, and education and job placement. Symbolized by a butterfly, the goal is to transform lives by establishing the necessary foundations of sustainability. Lusher emphasizes that “it’s the follow-up support that helps families build long-term stability.” Graduates of the program are encouraged to then serve as mentors to future clients, fostering these new cycles of hope and sustainability.
Want to help?
Donating or volunteering provides immediate relief to families who qualify for assistance. They accept online donations or mail-in donations.
Volunteers play a vital role in the organization’s success. After filling out their online form, follow up with a call or email to connect with them personally. All help is appreciated, but they are currently looking for help with: client intake, senior adult application assistance, office support and rebranding marketing expertise.
Even small contributions have a significant impact.
Lusher goes on to say, “public support is critical. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every act of generosity goes directly to preventing families from falling through the cracks — because without it, they truly have nowhere else to turn.”
Mission: Helping families in need of financial assistance for rent, mortgage or utilities
• Info: 850-433-2333; united-ministries.com
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Mailing address: P.O. Box 9255, Pensacola, FL 32513
• QR Code will take you to their donation page
Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition
Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition works to improve the health and developmental outcomes of Florida’s babies.
“What happens during pregnancy and 0 to 3 years has a lifetime impact, and we work to make sure families have what they need during that time,” Allyson Anderson, executive director, said.
They offer a wide range of services such as pregnancy education and support, newborn care instruction, counseling services, help to quit smoking, nutritional education, school readiness and home visiting programs. The largest group they serve is pregnant women; however, their services extend to families with children under the age of 3.
Their mission is powerful, and they cannot do it alone. Their funding comes from the Florida Department of Health’s Healthy Start Initiative, local and national grants, and donations from the community. With the rising cost of goods, like formula and diapers, and the general financial strain of the holiday season, organizations like this serve as a haven for people to lean on — not just for supplies, but as Anderson said, for “a trusted network to help them navigate the complex medical system.”
On their website, families can enroll through an online form or by calling 850-696-2291. This is designed to be a “one-stop entry point” to connect families to the services and resources they need.
T.E.A.M. Dad
Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition strives to support everyone in the family unit, and their newest program is called T.E.A.M. Dad. According to their website, “children who grow up with involved fathers experience better mental, emotional, educational, and social outcomes. They are 45% less likely to repeat a grade, 60% less likely to be suspended or expelled from school and 80% less likely to spend time in jail.”
Anderson recounts a recent success story where their program was able to provide a father with car seats for his kids, which was “critical in facilitating co-parenting and visitation.” In addition to the seats, their program has car seat technicians who ensure safe installation. This program works not just to ease financial burdens but to support the journey of fatherhood, which makes a world of difference for families.
Want to help?
There are a variety of ways to support Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition. Monetary donations made to the organization have an immediate impact. These funds are used for their “Stork Stock” which includes supplies such as pack ’n plays, diapers, wipes, bottles, strollers, car seats and more. Under their donation link, you can also find their Amazon wish list, which is kept up-to-date based on client needs. Physical donations of new and unopened supplies are also welcome at 318 N. Alcaniz St. in Pensacola (call ahead at 850-696-2291). According to Anderson, “Families receive supplies through their home visitor, from our Century location, or from our mobile outreach van — generously funded by IMPACT 100 — which travels weekly to high-need areas.”
Volunteer opportunities are available under “Join Our Team” in the About section. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, including administrative work, event planning, fundraising, creating program materials and tracking inventory. Anderson stated that their biggest volunteer event is their annual baby shower in April. This is “a joyful, community-centered day that celebrates families while connecting them with local resources.”
Mission: Improving health and developmental outcomes for Florida’s babies
• Info: 850-696-2291; healthystart.info
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• QR Code will take you to their donation page
