Christ Church Outreach News: September 12, 2024
UNICEF Gets Humanitarian Aid for Victims of Famine in Sudan
Armed conflict between warring groups in Sudan has severely curtailed access to food, water, and other essential supplies. UNICEF and two other United Nations agencies warned of “a hunger catastrophe” in a statement on June 27, 2024. The UN agencies said that more than 750,000 people are experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity with 25.6 million people in crisis levels of hunger.
UNICEF, which has helped the world’s children for 70 years, is mounting a multipronged response inside Sudan and in neighboring countries where refugees have sought safety. To learn more, read UNICEF’s 2024 fact sheet on its work in collaboration with international and local partners in Sudan. It delivers emergency supplies and finds ways to support health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, and child protection, enabled by the support of donors worldwide.
Christ Church is among these donors. On behalf of parishioners, members of the Outreach Commission at its September meeting voted to contribute $500 to UNICEF for famine relief in Sudan. It is the latest among several humanitarian aid donations in 2024. The most recent went to Episcopal Relief and Development to help U.S. wildfire survivors and, 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.
Columbia Community Care Calls for Home Delivery Volunteers
Columbia Community Care (CCC) said on Tuesday that after resuming home delivery requests, it has once again stopped taking new orders from those who lack transportation to get to its distribution sites. “In just one week, we have over 150 pantry orders in the queue already,” wrote CCC Pantry Manager April Lee, describing increased demand from people struggling to make ends meet. At the same time, CCC posted a plea on the CCC Facebook Group for volunteers to help with the tasks involved, including translating/dispatch.
Go online to learn how to volunteer 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.
Consider volunteering at one of the three distribution sites, which are open on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Locations are Long Reach Village Center, 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.
CCC continues to request baby-care items and diapers, especially sizes 4-6. It currently has an inventory of pullups. 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.
Donate Items to the Flea Market, and Help Support Our Refugee Ministry
Please donate your in-good-condition rummage sale items to the Refugee Ministry table at the September 14th flea market. We’ll take just about anything that’s in good condition (but not clothes and not furniture that won’t fit in a car’s back seat or trunk).
Please bring your donations to the parish hall between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., any weekday through THIS FRIDAY, September 13. If you need us to pick up your items, have any questions, or would like to help (you’ll get first pick!), please email parishioners Paula Rees (cprees@comcast.net), Diana Hall (dbhallmd@gmail.com), or Ann Barnes (annbarnes001@comcast.net), or speak with them at church. Thank you for your support.
Enter Today for the September 20th Golf Tournament to Help Bridges to Housing Stability
Advocating for affordable housing and helping people to keep a roof over their heads is the mission of Bridges to Housing Stability. Golfers can support this good cause on Friday, Sept. 20 during the third annual Sheehy Toyota Bridges for Birdies Golf Tournament at The Timbers of Troy, 6100 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, MD. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. and features a full day of golf, food, and awards. The cost for a single golfer is $200, or $800 for a foursome, which covers greens fees, unlimited range balls, food, and beverages. Registration ends very soon; sign up by this Friday, September 13th.
The event raises crucial operating funds, says Bridges Executive Director Jen Broderick. “Every swing, every hole, and every cheer helps us make real change in our community.” Christ Church has been a supporter of Bridges since 2019.
Howard County Walk to End Alzheimer's - September 21
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an important annual drive at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, is on Saturday, September 21st this year, and your help to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research is needed and appreciated. You can learn more about the event and how to register or donate on their website. Whichever way you choose, it helps to remember those who have been lost to this disease and bring attention to the critical research needed to eradicate Alzheimer’s and mental deterioration.
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 them 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. If you have any questions or need assistance, please speak with JoEmily Knox or Sara Kirkpatrick at church, or email WOCC@christchurchcolumbia.org. We hope you'll participate in this program, which ends on September 22nd.
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.
