Christ Church Outreach News: December 29, 2022
Columbia Community Care Recruits Volunteers for Duties in 2023
As the New Year arrives, Columbia Community Care (CCC) is calling for more volunteers to work remotely as translators, to help with home deliveries, and to sort donated goods at its pantry.
In a Dec. 27 post on the CCC Group on Facebook, the group updated supporters on persistent demand. “Columbia Community Care continues to receive dozens of requests (as many as 50-60 sometimes) every week for groceries from families in Howard County who don't have transportation to get to food banks. We have an urgent and crucial need for more volunteers to shop and deliver orders (must have a car) as well as for more volunteer translators (bilingual in Spanish/English and able to use their cellphones to contact families, shoppers, and CCC staff).”
The update concluded with a plea: “PLEASE consider helping us get food to our residents in need by signing up… Thank you so much!” To respond, you can go online to the “I Can Help” section of the organization’s website. Drop down to “Delivery Volunteer Opportunities.”
In the “Shopping & Delivery” category, keep in mind that a volunteer shopper fulfills recipients' grocery lists not at a supermarket but rather at the pantry. It is located at 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD. During 2022, parishioners played a part in establishing CCC’s pantry. Also, the Outreach Commission contributed $500 in Vestry-approved funds toward pantry operations, so thanks to all!
Most CCC recipients pick up their essentials at one of three distribution sites, which will reopen on Saturday, Dec. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 9, 8775 Cloudleap Ct.; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and the Oakland Mills Village Center’s Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place, all in Columbia.
At Christ Church, Leigh Smith is our representative who takes parishioners’ donated items to CCC. Members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue supporting CCC by collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday.
FISH Continues to Ask for Snacks and Cookies
Pickups have resumed from the FISH yellow bin between Old Brick and the Parish Hall or, during cold weather, just inside the Parish Hall entry. Please continue donating cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill the shopping lists. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need.
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.
