IPNews-Monrovia: Francis Teah Manneh may have been out of Liberia for over a decade in the United States .But that period of being away seems not to have changed his love for the people of the community in which he grew up.

Ballah Town is a little enclave within Logan Town on the Bushrod Island in Monrovia. It is this community, which sits among the Logan Town Cinema, Market and King Peter Town, where Manneh who his fondly called by his peers Teah Boso or Joel Tiéhi started his footballing.

From a little community team Ballah Town United, this left footed soccer trickster would eventually burst onto the national stage and begin to ply his trade Invincible Eleven (IE) NPA Anchors and LPRC Oilers.

His community dwellers were members of his biggest cheering squad during his playing days. And in a way of showing love and appreciation to the people he referred to the ones who helped him along the way; he distributed several bags of 25kg parboiled rice to the people of the community.

Each of the nearly 40 houses in the community received a bag of rice and cash to supplement their activities for the holiday season.

“Christmas is a time for sharing and caring. So we thought it wise to in our modest way reach out to our families back home. ” Manneh said in a very lively but humbled tone via WhatsApp.

“As I look on and see someone of our brothers, mothers and sisters; it gives me great joy to be a part of you during this Christmas “Manneh added to a cheering background as the community people applauded him.

He disclosed that the donation was made possible through the newly formed “Manneh Memorial Foundation”. It is an initiative set up to memorialize his father John Manneh and fallen aunty Victoria Ma Gbaluka Manneh.

“It is way of showing passion and commitment for the dedication of these two individuals to our community.” Francis Manneh averred.

He also commended two other individuals from the community who are residents of the United States for their support to the initiative.

“My sister Paulina Dixon and brother Francis Tweh Nimely were very helpful making this a reality. They wholeheartedly contributed to these efforts” Manneh announced to the people while the distribution was ongoing.

The people termed the donations as very timely and far reaching.

“Some people go to the US or other nations and forget their roots. But our son Teah Boso has thought on us. And made us proud today. ” Ma Esther Hayward, an elderly resident of the community said in an emotional tone.

But it was not only the elders that were in full voices of praise to the gesture.

24 year old Lendeh Metzger described the donation as heartwarming. “This touches our hearts in a positive way. And we truly grateful “Metzger added.

Francis Manneh said this is not a one-off. He disclosed that the foundation intends to rollout series of interventions in the areas of health, sanitation and hygiene.

‘We have plans to build hand pumps and construct sanitary facilities in this community” We all can do our bit to help keep our community healthy and safe.”

“I grew up here and I know what the challenges are. We all can help change the story for the best” Manneh, who also played for Liberia’s under 23 National Team indicated.