Christ Church Outreach News: October 17, 2024
Christ Church Sends Disaster Aid to Victims of Hurricane Milton
As Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida on October 9th, the storm unleashed multiple tornadoes on the east coast. At least 14 people have lost their lives and many others are suffering through power outages and destroyed properties. The massive storm, whose damage is depicted in satellite imagery by the National Ocean Service, hit while people were still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) asks that we join in praying for all of those harmed, sharing these Hurricane Season prayers.
ERD collaborates with faith-based and community-led organizations in hard-hit places. “Our hearts go out to the people who have been affected by Helene and Milton. We are continuing to work on responses that were already underway due to Helene, and are adapting and creating new plans in collaboration with dioceses to meet new needs,” said Katie Mears, Senior Technical Specialist, Disaster Risk and Resilience, in a statement by ERD on Oct. 10, 2024.
Christ Church quickly responded in Milton’s aftermath. Members of the Outreach Commission this week approved a $750 contribution to ERD, which follows a $500 donation to ERD last month. Its president and CEO thanked Christ Church for helping Helene’s survivors:
“Monetary donations like yours in the first phase of a disaster give affected communities more agency and flexibility, and boost the local economy,” wrote Robert W. Radtke. “As the stages of this disaster progress – from rescue to relief to recovery – people’s needs will change, and we are prepared to assist them. Thank you again for your compassionate support and prayers. At times like these, I am especially amazed at this community’s deep sense of generosity and goodwill.”
Christ Church also responded to Hurricane Helene by donating $500 to Global Refuge, which was helping 600 immigrant families in Florida. A leader of that nonprofit organization, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, expressed gratitude directly in a phone call to an Outreach member.
These are the latest humanitarian aid donations by Christ Church. Earlier in 2024, Outreach approved giving to UNICEF for humanitarian aid in Sudan and to ERD to help U.S. wildfire survivors. Before that, two donations went to World Central Kitchen to help victims of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean and to feed displaced people in Gaza. These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Heartfelt thanks go out to one and all who make this possible.
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 weekly to FISH of Howard County. You can put groceries and/or toiletries in the basket at the altar in New Brick or 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 Needs Diapers, Recruits Volunteers of All Ages
Columbia Community Care (CCC) 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 at upcoming events that CCC is sponsoring. Find options on the CCC Facebook Group.
People of all ages can volunteer at the pantry, located in the rear of the Long Reach distribution site at Long Reach Village Center, Suite 107, 8775 Cloudleap Court. Also, please 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. Go online to learn how to volunteer.
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.
