News
The Samaritan Center has been featured by local media for events, comments, and just to shine a light on some of the ways we're able to help our community. As director, I am always excited to have the chance to share what's going on with volunteers, staff, and donors. Here is a collection of articles about us that we hope you enjoy.
~ Dena Callaway
Executive Director
Top Stories
Samaritan Center: 20 Years of Caring Brunch
The Samaritan Center and its honorary co-chairs, Sen. Jack Donahue and his wife, Maura, invite the community to join them in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Samaritan Center.
The "20 Years of Caring" brunch will be held at Benedict's in Mandeville on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 1 until 4 p.m. with the theme of "Feed My Sheep." Amanda Shaw will provide the music. A silent auction will be held with many items being donated by area hotels, restaurants and artists.
Read the rest of the article online...Samaritan Center says thanks to volunteers
Samaritan Center volunteers were applauded at a festive luncheon held at Benedict's Restaurant on April 22.
The center, which was founded in 1989 by Christian churches in the Mandeville and Lacombe areas, helps those in need by providing emergency assistance in the spirit of Christian charity. Victims of fires, floods and other catastrophes receive food, clothing and moral support. The center also serves single mothers with children and those who have lost their jobs.
Read the rest of the article online...Samaritan Center Serves Up Cookbook
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Samaritan Center has put together a unique collection of recipes from volunteers, staff members and former directors.
The center's motto is "If you love me, feed my sheep," a quote from the Bible's Gospel of John, which perfectly fits the idea of a cookbook fundraiser.
The Samaritan Center Cookbook, available for $10, will raise money for the center while offering buyers a collection of recipes from all member churches
Read the rest of the article online...Volunteer Voice December Newsletter
Introducing the Samaritan Center Cookbook! Just in time for Christmas, the new cookbook features recipes from our Volunteers, Staff, and even former Directors got in on the fun!
Read the newsletter online...Samaritan Center has storage problem
As the holidays approach, many will find that they need just a little more space in the waistband or a jacket that they planned to wear.
The Samaritan Center in Mandeville also is having problems with space, but this one comes from having a little too much good food.
The organization has been blessed with provisions that will help to feed families on the north shore. However, because of a lack of space, they aren't able to accept as many contributions as have been offered.
Read the rest of the article online...HUGS to be available during chilly season
Holidays are the perfect time to receive hugs from those who care. And the Samaritan Center in Mandeville has a new program that will give HUGS (Hats, Underwear, Gloves and Socks) to those in need. "HUGS help families that need a hand, ensuring that clean underclothes and warmth are not luxuries out of their reach," said Dena Dyer, executive director of the Samaritan Center. "HUGS also provide people who want to help others with a simple way to make a difference in the life of another."
Read the rest of the article online...Archive
Gran's Attic to hold special sale July 14
On July 14, savvy shoppers will have the opportunity to get great stuff at great prices, all benefiting a good cause, at the Christmas in July Sale at Gran's Attic in Mandeville. A unique shop featuring the highest quality, "lightly loved" items, Gran's Attic has sometimes been called one of the north shore's best-kept shopping secrets, a fact that director Dena Dyer hopes to change. "We don't want to be a secret," Dyer said. "We want people to know who we are and what we do."
Read the rest of the article online...Fish & Chicken Fry
The Samaritan Center held its first fundraiser by selling take-out dinners at the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ on March 8.
The chicken or fish were fried to perfection, and the meals included potato salad, green peas, bread and desserts. There was also a raffle of a parade of prizes. The food and prizes were all donated, and volunteers helped to coordinate the dinners. "We did very well," said Executive Director Dena Dyer. "We are so thankful. It was more successful than we had anticipated." The fundraiser was chaired by the center's program coordinator, Joycelyn King.
Read the rest of the article online...Samaritan Center constructing Web site
Best kept secret no more, Mandeville's Samaritan Center on 402 Girod St. is beefing up efforts to acquire additional volunteers with the construction of a new Web site.
Read the rest of the article online...Have a heart; lend Samaritan Center a hand.
When many people think of Valentine's Day, they envision boxes of candy, stuffed animals and sentimental cards.
My guess is that fewer people would think of a can of soup or a pair of khaki pants.But that's what Margaret Whitelaw and the good people at the Samaritan Center are thinking of this time of year. The faith-based organization located near the Mandeville lakefront holds to the vision of helping people get back on their feet, particularly in emergency situations such as when someone may need some canned goods to feed the family or need a pair of slacks to go to a job interview.
Read the rest of the article online...OMBA elects Virginia Porston 2008 president
"We had an outstanding 2007. I believe for OMBA beginning with our Art, Heart and Soul street festival and run in the spring, our sponsorship again of a very successful Empty Bowl Project in November to benefit the Samaritan Center. And we ended the year with perhaps our most successful Christmas Past Festival on Dec. 8 and the historic buildings tours on Dec. 9," Dennie said.
Read the rest of the article online...
Samaritan Center keeps up good work.
The Samaritan Center in Mandeville has blessed people's lives for more than 14 years through its community service programs. Thanks to generous donations and volunteerism in 2003, the center was able to serve close to 800 families in need, distributing more than $250,000 in food, clothing and assistance.
Read the rest of the article online...
