Click here for printable order form

It may not be from Heaven, but it sure is a Godsend.

The Manna Program offers store gift certificates to Chicago area schools and churches.  By using these certificates, a percentage comes back to you in the form of a check.  The percentages vary, depending on the stores, which determine what the discount value is.

You buy certificates for the stores where you regularly shop and use them as cash when you make purchases.  For example, you decide to purchase Linens and Things certificates, which come in a $25 card.  You buy $100 worth.  Linens and Things discount value is 9 percent.  So that’s a credit of 9% of $100, or $9.  There’s a further calculation, however.  Now, 75 percent of $9 is $6.75.  That would be your family credit.  (The other 25 percent goes to cover the administrative costs that Manna charges and then to SMM)  Doesn’t sound like much?  Well, think of the $6.75 and of the credits you’ll get for your grocery bill and all of the other certificates you can use regularly, and your savings will add up.  We.have been very successful with the Manna Program at SMM over the last several years and have offered more than $50,000 in tuition credits and savings to the families that use it.  Here’s how it works at SMM:

• Review the list of participating vendors and select those where you regularly shop, eat out or buy gasoline.  An abbreviated list is enclosed, or your can check Manna’s website directly.  Go to www.mannagroup.net, for a comprehensive list.  Click on the Vendor List link. We anticipate that the Manna schedule and vendor list will be updated on the SMM website in the near future (www.smmschool.com).
• Indicate the certificates and amounts you are purchasing and complete the Manna envelope, remembering to enclose a check payable to SMM Manna.  The order envelopes show some vendors no longer carried as well as omit some new vendors added to the program.  
• Submit the order to the School Office or Rectory by 10:00 a.m. on the dates listed on the Manna Schedule.  That Wednesday, the certificates are delivered to the School to be sent home with your child or brought to the Rectory Office for pick-up during regular Rectory Office hours. 
• Use your Manna certificates when you purchase groceries, gifts, gasoline, meals out and lots more!

On a quarterly basis you will receive a check for the credit your family earned.  It’s really easy!  The hardest part is planning ahead to have the certificates in stock when you are ready to shop.  It’s worth the trouble, and the extra effort is money in your pocket.

If you have any questions, please call the School Office at 773-764-0641.