CEC Outreach News: November 4, 2021
Thanksgiving Food Drive (non-perishables only) for the Howard County Food Bank: November 7-18
In 2021, the Howard County Food Bank expects to feed 1,200 people at Thanksgiving and another 1,200 at Christmas. Its staff began giving out "Holiday Meal Kits" on November 1st and will continue through the month of December. You can support this effort by bringing non-perishable food items that complete the menu with the usual sides: boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and cans of vegetables and fruits.
Place these items on the Thanksgiving-decorated table in our Narthex. Or, if you wish to remain outdoors, put them in the latest yellow bin that's found on the breezeway. Marked “Thanksgiving Food Drive," this one is near the door to Old Brick. Given cold weather, it’s best if any items stored in glass jars could go in the Narthex collection.
The drive begins Sunday, November 7th, and ends on Thursday, November 18th, so that all items can be delivered by November 19th.
Once again, due to the pandemic, Christ Church will exclude turkeys from the collection. Last year, we raised funds to order turkeys but had fewer requests than expected for the main course. As a result, thanks to your support in 2020, Christ Church is able to donate the remaining $650 to the food bank for its purchase this Thanksgiving of alternatives to whole turkeys. The food bank will obtain partial or whole chicken roasters, vegetarian options, and options with the proper protein for those on dialysis. These will be delivered to those who are homebound and would not cook a 16-to-19 pound turkey (the usual food bank size) for themselves. A portion of the Christ Church funds also may be used to provide clients of limited means with aluminum pans, making it possible to cook the chicken and other items in their homes.
NOTE: The food bank is not collecting pies, other desserts, or rolls this year, because of perishability. Its staff tells us they have adequate supplies of brownie mix, which will be distributed in meal kits instead. Thanks so much for your generosity in planning to shop for items that are on the wish list of the food bank, which is among the services of the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). These traditional sides will brighten the holidays in many Howard County households.
Inviting One and All to Get Involved in Christ Church Outreach
The Outreach Commission is making an effort to better spread the word about what we do and, in turn, persuade more volunteers to participate. Now that it’s time for holiday outreach, consider joining us at our next meeting to learn more about opportunities during the remainder of 2021. It will be held virtually at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 8th. Information on how to join the meeting by Zoom or by phone will be provided in the Church notices about online activities next week. To become active in other ways, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Keep in mind the scripture that underpins our mission:
Spread the Word: Nov. 8 Food Giveaway at Howard Community College
Public-health students at Howard Community College (HCC) are planning to hand out groceries to the less fortunate on Monday, November 8th from 1 to 3 p.m. As a part of a collaboration with the Maryland Food Bank, students in the Health Sciences Division plan to distribute 300 free boxes of food to those in need.
The event is drive-through only (no walk-ups) at HCC”s Parking Lot B, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD, 21044. Please spread the word among yourselves and any others who would benefit from free food. No eligibility is required.
In these pandemic times, families and individuals struggle to make ends meet. The HCC effort is among several that recognize it’s tough to be in the “have-not” category in Howard County, where there’s a great contrast between haves and have-nots, especially as the holidays approach.
Collection Drive Continues to Provide Diapers, Personal Care Items for CCC
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to support Columbia Community Care(CCC) by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Please put any of these items in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. You can drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday.
Donate Personal Care and Cleaning Supplies for FISH in Bin on our Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County request household cleaning supplies such as liquid dish soap, bleach, and cleanser as well as personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, and bath soaps. The bin is on the breezeway near the door to the Parish Hall.
Registration Now Open for DreamBuilders trip to Puerto Rico - January 9-15, 2022
Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in September of 2017. Now, four years later, thousands of Puerto Ricans are still living in damaged homes or crowded in with family members waiting for the day when their homes can be made livable again. DreamBuilders will be making its second trip to the island this January to work with SBP-Puerto Rico to repair damaged homes.
We are opening registration for this trip now and will keep it open for a few days more. The cost of the trip is $1300 per volunteer, which covers the flights, housing, food, and rental vehicles. Daily temperatures in San Juan for January average between 80-83 degrees. SBP has COVID protocols in place to protect its staff, the homeowners, and the volunteers. All volunteers must be vaccinated. Team size will be limited to allow for distancing, and cleaning stations are established at all project sites. More information about SBP's efforts in Puerto Rico and their COVID protocols can be found on their website: sbpusa.org. You can register as a volunteer on our website: https://dreambuildersmd.org/2022-puerto-rico-details-sign-up. You will pay half the fee upon registration ($650) so DreamBuilders can reserve the flights, housing, and rental vehicles. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Gold at heycathy@verizon.net.
Springfield Hospital Donations
The Women of Christ Church will once again be collecting Christmas gifts for our friends at Springfield Hospital. Though we haven’t been able to make our usual visits due to the pandemic, we will be gathering gifts for them to bring a little Christmas joy. If you would like to contribute, we have placed a large container in the Tower Room to accept your unwrapped donations. We will need them by December 15th, in order to meet their deadline. If you want to donate gifts but can’t get them to church, please contact Cathy Gold or email info@christchurchcolumbia.org, and we will find a way. Here is the current wish list from Springfield Hospital, in case you would like suggestions.
Baltimore Seafarer Ministry
Our next delivery date by the WOCC to the Seafarers Center is Tuesday, December 7th. Find the drop-off bin marked “Seafarers” in the Tower Room of New Brick. Each year, the WOCC helps prepare those Seafarers that come to the Baltimore Harbor with ‘Warmth and The Holidays’. These are people who are often away at sea for very long periods of time. Please help by contributing any of these needed items!
Calendars
Current magazines (especially National Geographic & Smithsonian)
Toiletries for their “Christmas shoe boxes” that are handed out to each Seafarer, such as: toothbrushes, small and medium-size toothpastes, travel-size shaving cream, disposable razors, etc.
Warm socks, warm hats, and gloves.
In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.
