Christ Church Outreach News: August 1, 2024
Our Support of Claggett Camps Brightens Summer for Disabled Adults and Youth Whose Families are Harmed by Opioid Misuse
Christ Church has for several years supported summer camps at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, Md., the retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. The 266-acre property overlooks Sugarloaf Mountain and the Monocacy River Valley, a perfect setting for learning, growth, and spirit-filled renewal.
To parishioners, please accept heartfelt thanks for our ability to support two campers, drawing from vestry-approved budget funds. The Outreach Commission in May approved $1,600 for Claggett. That covered the costs of one child at Camp Spirit Song, held from July 28 to Aug. 2 for youth affected by a loved one’s opioid substance use disorder, and one person at Special Challenge Camp, a highly anticipated getaway for adults with developmental disabilities.
Special Challenge Camp was held from July 21 through July 25, opening with a vibrant morning worship service that you can view in a video posted on the Camps at Claggett Facebook page. Volunteers from collaborating parishes interacted with campers in outdoor and indoor activities such as nature hikes, swimming, fishing, canoeing, arts and crafts, and daily chapel (see photos). The camp concluded with a dance in the historic barn. As Claggett described the fun in its post: “A most amazing week of JOY!”
Claggett also beckons youth in general and, for one session, whole families. In June and July, it held week-long sessions for campers who have completed second grade up to recent high school grads. Please consider participating next summer or contributing individually to support youth scholarships, which you can do on Claggett’s website.
In response to the 2024 donation, Claggett Programs and Camp Director Rosie Alger wrote: “Please thank everyone at Christ Church on our behalf for supporting our campers and our community.”
Home Sweet Home
The WOCC, in partnership with Grassroots, is providing new home kits for those who have recently been homeless and have now found an opportunity to have a home of their own. The kits include much-needed, common materials for anyone who needs assistance with starting a new life chapter.
Please visit our sign-up sheet here, which has specific items you can provide. From trash cans to gift cards, each item will make those moving into their new home feel more at home. Your item donations can then be deposited into the marked bin near the Outreach table in the Tower Room of New Brick, or email WOCC@christchurchcolumbia.org if you need assistance or have any questions. We hope you'll participate in this program, which ends on September 22nd.
Thanks to the Entire LEMS School Supply Packing Team!
After another successful summer of raising funds to purchase school supplies for more than 125 students in need, Christ Church volunteers gathered last week to organize and pack each backpack with items needed for the new school year. Thank you to Cathy Whittaker, all donors, and every volunteer for coming through! You can view more photos on our website.
Volunteers will again meet at the CEC campus on Tuesday, August 13th at 9:00 a.m. to load up vehicles and deliver them to LEMS. We could use a few larger vehicles (pickup truck, van, etc.) so we can get things to the school in fewer trips. If you have questions about our LEMS partnership or would like to help on the 13th, please speak with Cathy Whittaker at church or email lemssupplies@christchurchcolumbia.org. Thank you so much for your support.
Columbia Community Care Requests Diapers, Seeks Volunteers at Sites
Please keep in mind that Columbia Community Care (CCC) has shortened summer hours for its distribution sites, which serve our neighbors in need on Saturdays. Volunteers arrive at 9 a.m., start distribution between 9:30 and 10 a.m., and close by 11:30 a.m.
Locations are at Long Reach, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd.; and The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia.
Go online to learn how to volunteer at distribution sites or as a translator or shopper at its pantry, which has relocated to the rear of the Long Reach distribution site. Those who need groceries and other necessities can find information by going online to “Get Help” on CCC’s website. Find updates on the CCC Facebook Group.
CCC continues to request baby-care items and diapers, especially sizes 4-6, and pullups in sizes 3T, 4T, and 5T. Put these along with sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sundays. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bin and delivers items.
Look for the FISH Bin on the Breezeway near the Parish Hall
FISH of Howard County requests non-perishable foods and toiletries, which we collect in the basket at the altar or in a marked yellow bin on the breezeway between the Parish Hall and Old Brick. FISH provides committed support to select families in need. The neighbors you help give thanks for all you do in their support.
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.
