The History of Manna
In the late 1970’s, Mrs. Mary Claire Neal and Mr. John Clary initiated an effort to help folks at Christmas. Along with Sheriff Swan they identified those families most in need. This initiative grew into “We Care” which incorporated in 1984 as a non-profit organization.
We Care operated at 118 Greenway Street. In 1991, the Wilson brothers, James, John and Bob, conveyed the property to We Care, Inc. Churches and individuals provided the bulk of the support during this time.
The charity continued to grow and in December 2003, the members of the board of We Care agreed to transfer the assets to a group of ministers and other citizens who were attempting to create a coordinating agency…McDuffie Manna
In 2007 the Greenway property was purchased by McDuffie County and the City of Thomson to make way for the new Government Center. The Manna board of directors put together a fundraising drive to purchase the property on 451 East Hill Street. As a result of their efforts and a grant from the Knox Foundation, Manna opened its doors at our current 451 East Hill Street location in February of 2004,
The first Executive Director was Machelle Campbell.
Past Executive Directors include:
Genelda McClain
Lynda Gheesling
Pastor Steve Stokes
Keryl Corley – Current Director
We Care operated at 118 Greenway Street. In 1991, the Wilson brothers, James, John and Bob, conveyed the property to We Care, Inc. Churches and individuals provided the bulk of the support during this time.
The charity continued to grow and in December 2003, the members of the board of We Care agreed to transfer the assets to a group of ministers and other citizens who were attempting to create a coordinating agency…McDuffie Manna
In 2007 the Greenway property was purchased by McDuffie County and the City of Thomson to make way for the new Government Center. The Manna board of directors put together a fundraising drive to purchase the property on 451 East Hill Street. As a result of their efforts and a grant from the Knox Foundation, Manna opened its doors at our current 451 East Hill Street location in February of 2004,
The first Executive Director was Machelle Campbell.
Past Executive Directors include:
Genelda McClain
Lynda Gheesling
Pastor Steve Stokes
Keryl Corley – Current Director