Project MANA - A Hunger Relief Agency

CHICAGO (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama and his wife took their daughters to work at a food bank on the day before Thanksgiving, saying they wanted to show the girls the meaning of the holiday, especially when so many people are struggling.

 

Ten-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha joined their parents to shake hands and give holiday wishes to hundreds of people who had been lined up for hours at the food bank on Chicago's south side.

 

Sasha wore a pink stocking hat over her pigtails and Malia had on a purple striped hat as the family handed out wrapped chickens to the needy in the chilly outdoor courtyard. Those seeking food on Wednesday at St. Columbanus also received boxes with potatoes, oranges, fresh bread, peanut butter, canned goods, oatmeal, spaghetti and coffee.

 

The president-elect, dressed casually in a leather jacket, black scarf and khaki pants, was in a jovial mood, calling out "happy thanksgiving" and telling everyone "you can call me Barack."

 

He told reporters that he wants the girls "to learn the importance of how fortunate they are, and to make sure they're giving back."

 

The soon-to-be first lady said the Obamas wanted to give their children "an understanding of what giving and Thanksgiving is all about."

 

The Obama family's activities in the courtyard quickly drew the attention of schoolchildren whose windows overlooked the courtyard. They put up a sign against the glass that read: "We love our prez" and screamed when the president-elect waved to them.

 

Obama then turned to his wife and suggested they go visit the kids. Secret Service agents, looking surprised, disappeared inside the building to accommodate his request.

 

Minutes later, hundreds of children were brought down to the school auditorium, and Obama loped onstage as they screamed and cheered.

 

"I just wanted to come by and wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving," he said. He then asked the children what they would be eating for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Turkey? Stuffing? Green beans? Sweet potato pie?

 

Perhaps it was a hint at the planned menu for the Obamas, who are planning to host a holiday gathering at their Hyde Park home.

 

The president-elect then took questions from the children, one of whom wanted to know what it was like to be followed around all the time. It is a topic that seems to touch a nerve in Obama, who has lamented the lack of privacy that comes with his new job.

 

"I gotta admit, sometimes it's kinda strange ... you just want to go take a walk or go out and ride your bike or something, and you always have someone with you," Obama said. "So you don't have a lot of privacy and that's one of the things you have to sacrifice in order to run for president."

 

SARA KUGLER
Associated Press 

George LeBard, executive director of Project MANA, said the food agency distributed about 500 Thanksgiving meals on Saturday in Incline Village, Kings Beach and Truckee. The meals were made up of a turkey and all the trimmings for the meal.

Many of the turkeys were donated by local residents after LeBard announced to the community about two weeks ago that Project MANA was in need of birds for the holiday to feed families in the area.

“Everything went really well,” LeBard said. And, because he is still receiving donations, he is able to continue to provide for those still coming for food.

The annual Thanksgiving Program for families recommended by agencies, schools or churches is Project MANA’s main holiday distribution. This year Project MANA served almost 100 more families than in 2007. The community made it possible even with the additional needs for Project MANA to continue its Thanksgiving tradition that dates back to more than 10 years.

Tuesday, the Project MANA kitchen was the location for a demonstration on how to cook your Thanksgiving meal.

Help came from the JROTC Highlander Battalion at Incline High School that not only has been holding a food drive but also provided cadets to help sort donations of the food. Dickson Realty, The Rotary Club of Incline Village, the Boy Scouts of Troop 37, Chase International Realty along with many other individuals and organizations have donated frozen turkeys, nonperishable food and cash. Another 100 pounds of food was collected at Sierra Nevada College over the weekend and also the Lake Tahoe School collected food during its garage sale.

The food drives will continue through December and are needed to help provide the daily needs for families coming to Project MANA. Food will be in constant demand throughout the months ahead, so all donations coming in will be helping throughout the month. 

Jean Eick

Bonanza Community Editor 

Ways to get involved: 

Project MANA

Food and cash or check donations (made out to Project MANA) can be delivered to Project MANA located in the he Donald W. Reynolds Community Non-Profit Center at 948 Incline Way.

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza

Food and cash or check donations (made out to Project MANA) can be dropped off at the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza office at 925 Tahoe Blvd. Suite 206.

Boy Scout Troop 37/Chase International Realty

The Scouts and Chase International Realty are still accepting donations of nonperishable food items as well as cash donations at the Chase Office, 917 Tahoe Blvd. Suite 100.

Incline High School JROTC

Anyone wanting to donated canned goods, cash and other nonperishable food items can take them to the JROTC Building at Incline High School until Dec. 9.

La Petite Styling 

The salon is accepting nonperishable groceries at 8160 North Lake Blvd. in Kings Beach. For information can Francesca at (775) 450-3261 or Jessica at (775) 527-1769.