Manna volunteers deliver joy

Manna, the Conejo Valley food bank, distributed more than 1,200 Christmas gifts and 200 Christmas baskets to more than 400 families in the Conejo Valley area from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23.

Interim executive director John “J.P.” Gorham, who guided Manna through its 35th holiday season, said, “This community has shown time and again how much it cares about its neighbors and we are blessed to live in such a wonderful area.”

In the midst of several major changes at Manna, including plans for remodeling, Gorham made sure that clients came first.

Many residents who didn’t have a bright outlook for Christmas were taken care of.

A longterm group of volunteers worked hard to ensure residents’ needs were addressed, according to Gorham.

Manna usually serves about 500 people per week from its location at 3020 Crescent Way in the Old Town area of Thousand Oaks. It also helps other pantries in the greater Conejo Valley.

Manna can always use donations of food, money or supermarket scrip.

For more information about Manna, call (805) 497-4959.