Christ Church Outreach News: October 10, 2024
What a Haul! Our Fall Food Drive at Dorsey’s Search Giant Supermarket Collects More Than a Half Ton of Food for Two Howard County Pantries
Christ Church volunteers enthusiastically persuaded shoppers to buy and donate hundreds of canned goods, boxes of pasta, and more during the Fall Food Drive last Saturday, Oct. 5 (see photos). The collection for the Howard County Food Bank filled the bed of two pickup trucks and produced an impressive total at weigh-in: 1,294 pounds (a ton weighs 2,000 pounds). You can view all of our photos here.
The Food Bank is operated by the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) which, among other things, combats growing food insecurity in the county. A partner pantry, SAFE, provides free gluten-free and allergy-safe foods to low-income households. We collected 192 pounds of gluten-free food for SAFE.
Once again, this drive at the Dorsey’s Search Giant Food Supermarket in Ellicott City was multi-generational; our 29 volunteers ranged from elders to elementary-school age. They included Director of Youth & Family Ministries, Kiona Lookingbill, her husband, Josiah, and son, Marcus. Parishioners could choose a one-hour shift from noon until 4 p.m. or stay for the duration, all doing God’s work.
Some Giant customers preferred to give cash rather than to shop for items on our handout list, and a few supporters chipped in more. The result was a contribution of $289 to the CAC. It operates the Food Bank, using a client-choice model just like a grocery store. This has become a vital resource for the refugee families being assisted by the Christ Church-led Refugee Ministry.
In a full-circle moment during the drive, one of the sons of the Ministry’s first Afghan family made a cash contribution upon arriving for work at the Giant. During the nearly three years since we welcomed the fleeing family, he has worked his way up in retail to become a member of the supermarket management team. He paused for hugs and chats all around.
Thanks to each and every person who made the Fall Food Drive such a success! The CAC has expressed gratitude for our ongoing support: “ As always, thank you so much for all of the generosity that you and your entire team provide to us and the whole community.”
SAFE asked that we thank all participants in the food drive on its behalf: “We appreciate the variety and quality of the food that was donated. Rest assured that these donations will make a difference to the many clients we serve.”
For those interested in learning more about SAFE’s needs, you’re invited to celebrate its 10th Anniversary from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, Oct. 19 during a festive version of its monthly food distribution at 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr. in Columbia.
Help Families in Need by Filling the Altar Basket, our FISH Bin on the Breezeway
If you missed the food drive or remain concerned about people going hungry in Howard County, this is a reminder to donate non-perishables every week to FISH of Howard County. You can put groceries and/or toiletries in the basket at the altar in New Brick or in a marked yellow bin on the breezeway between Old Brick and Parish Hall. FISH provides committed support to select families in need. The neighbors you help give thanks for all you do in their support.
Columbia Community Care Recruits Teen Volunteers to Earn Service Hours
Columbia Community Care (CCC) posted an appeal this week on the CCC Facebook Group for teenage volunteers. It has lengthened its pantry hours, now held on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in hopes of attracting youth who can earn community service credits at their public schools by sorting supplies. Also teens can help in other ways. CCC asks: “Do you need service hours this fall? We need volunteers to help at our pantries and events! Please fill out a volunteer sign-up form here.
Go online to learn how to volunteer at the pantry, located in the rear of the Long Reach distribution site at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Ct. Also consider volunteering at that site on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or one of the other locations: Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., and The Barn at Oakland Mills Village Center, 5853 Robert Oliver Place.
Those who need groceries and other necessities can find information by going online to “Get Help” on CCC’s website.
CCC continues to request baby-care items and diapers, especially sizes 4-6. 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.
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.
