Christ Church Outreach News: March 15, 2024
Christ Church Sends Food Aid to Victims of War in Holy Land
At the March 11 Outreach Commission meeting, we approved a $500 donation to World Central Kitchen (WCK) to help feed starving residents of Gaza. They have been displaced by the Israel-Hamas War that began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. More than a half-million people are facing “catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation” in Gaza, according to the United Nations in a post on Feb. 27.
WCK has 60 kitchens across Gaza that are awaiting a food-laden barge. In a March 12 post, WCK says the food departed Cyprus on March 12 via a boat owned by the Spanish charity, Open Arms. The nonprofit organizations expect to reach Gazans despite immense logistical and security obstacles. It would be the first food aid to use a new maritime route, reports The Washington Post in a March 12 article, “A Ship Carrying 200 Tons of Food is Heading to Gaza. What to Know.”
WCK announced a special effort in conjunction with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that began this week during which the faithful worldwide engage in fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. WCK hopes to deliver 92,000 food boxes, serving 4.7 million meals. Thanks to matching funds for WCK, the Christ Church donation could provide 700 meals during Ramadan.
This is the second contribution for humanitarian aid in the Holy Land that Outreach has approved. Last November, we sent a $600 donation to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), which partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem to support its hospital ministry among the Palestinians.
In both instances, these are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to all who make such donations possible.
ERD provides a link to encourage prayers in a time of crisis. Please continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land.
Last Call: Columbia Community Care’s ‘Mystery’ Dinner Is on Saturday, March 16
It’s not too late to order tickets for an unusual fundraiser for Columbia Community Care (CCC), A mystery-themed dinner takes place on Saturday, March 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 5485 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia MD 21045.
Go to CCC’s events page to order tickets, which are said to be available through the day of the event. Admission is $95 for an individual or $85 for members of a group, plus online registration fees. CCC says, “$10 of each ticket will go to food and resources for students and families in Columbia.”
Guests must be 21 or older. Admission includes a three-course dinner, tax, gratuity, free parking, and the program. “Sinister Speakeasy” is an interactive murder-mystery game conducted by Whodunnit for Hire.
It’s for a good cause, as CCC provides groceries and other necessities to those in need at three distribution sites on Saturdays (see photo).
If you or someone you know could benefit, please go online to the “I Need Help” portion of CCC’s website. Or learn how to volunteer at the sites or in other ways by visiting the “I Can Help” portion of its website. Look for updates on the CCC Facebook Group.
Meanwhile CCC has added paper goods to its list of needed essentials. Also please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put these 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 bins and delivers their contents.
Look for the FISH Bin on the Breezeway near the Parish Hall
FISH of Howard County needs 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.
