Christ Church Outreach News: April 25, 2024
What a Blessing! Our Spring Food Drive at River Hill 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 Spring Food Drive last Saturday, April 20 (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: 1,440 pounds. A ton weighs 2,000 pounds.
The Food Bank is operated by the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), which strives to reduce food insecurity in Howard County, where needs are great. Its partner pantry, SAFE, provides free gluten-free and allergy-safe foods to low-income households. We collected four bins, weighing 120 pounds, of gluten-free food for SAFE.
Once again, this drive at the River Hill Giant Supermarket in Clarksville was multi-generational, with one family group and a range of volunteers from elementary-school age to grandparents. Some worked a one-hour shift while others chose to stay from noon until 4 p.m., all doing God’s work. Thanks to each and every one who signed up!
Some Giant customers preferred to give cash or checks, ranging from $1 to $50. That produced a contribution of $187 to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). It operates the Food Bank, which offers family-choice shopping like at a grocery store. This has become a vital resource for the three refugee families being assisted by the Christ Church-led Refugee Ministry.
A CAC representative responded with an expression of gratitude for the half-ton of goods and the monetary donation: “Thank you, thank you, thank you! We truly appreciate the work you all have done for CAC and for our Marketplace community! Please pass on our gratitude to your volunteer team at Christ Episcopal.”
Similarly, a SAFE leader wrote: “Thank you for conducting the food drive this past Saturday. We would like to reiterate how grateful we are for your continuing support to help SAFE serve its clients.”
For those interested in continuing to help SAFE, you’ll find information online about its month-long “People-Powered Food Drive” in May. SAFE maintains a donation bin at Christ Church near the rear exit of the Parish Hall.
Have Fun Outdoors & Help Bridges at Its May 5 Chili and Cornhole Event
Chili has been a key part of fundraising for Bridges to Housing Stability, an advocate for families who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Then Bridges added a cornhole tournament to its repertoire. How about a Christ Church team in 2024? If you’re polishing your cornhole skills, please email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
This year the Beans & Bags event will be held on Sunday, May 5, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park, Pavilion H, 4760 Woodland Rd., Ellicott City 21042. The real competition has to do with funds raised through individual donations or by meals purchased to enjoy at the park or for carry-out. Tickets are $25 for an adult and $10 for a child. Please order your tickets now to help Christ Church vie for an award.
The event is a crucial annual fundraiser, and Christ Church is a sponsor at what Bridges calls the “Ghost Pepper” level in recognition of a contribution as outlined in the Outreach Blog of April 18, 2024. It’s a worthy cause, including recent Bridges’ initiatives described in the Outreach Blog of Feb. 15, 2024.
Columbia Community Care Needs Diapers and Other Baby-Care Items
Columbia Community Care (CCC) continues to need baby-care items and diapers. Sizes 4-6 are in the greatest demand, as are 3T-4T and 4T-5T pullups. Please continue to collect these along with sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put them 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 its contents.
Those who need groceries and other necessities can find information by going online to the “Get Help” section of CCC’s recently revamped website. Or learn how to volunteer at CCC’s distribution sites or as a translator or a shopper at its pantry. Check for updates on the CCC Facebook Group.
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.
Lake Elkhorn Middle School Needs Your Help
Tracey Williams, the counselor at LEMS, has asked Christ Church to supply a dinner for the families and provide childcare during the next workshop on Tuesday, May 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the cafeteria. We need adults and high school students who can serve food to all and play games with the children, ages Kindergarten to 8th grade. If you can help, please contact Deacon Denise deacondenise@christchurchcolumbia.org or Cathy Whittaker catharinewhittaker@gmail.com.
Enjoy Food and Drink to Help Support DreamBuilders!
Come join us at Bushel & Peck restaurant in Clarksville, MD on Wednesday, May 15th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. for an evening of dining, refreshments, and fellowship in support of DreamBuilders. One month later, DreamBuilders will be building three homes in Hazard, Kentucky, and a portion of the proceeds from your meals and drinks will go directly toward funding the materials for these three homes. PLUS, if you come to the fundraiser between 5-7 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy our favorite Christ Church band - Small Delusions!
Between the services on May 5th and 12th at Christ Church, we'll have two items for sale: the first is a batch of 50/50 raffle tickets that cost $5 each or are 5 for $20. The winning ticket will be drawn at the restaurant on May 15th, but you don’t need to be present to win (we'll contact the winner that evening by phone if they're not present). Those days, you can also buy DreamBuilders chocolates, tea, and coffee in advance of Mother’s Day. All proceeds from the sale of these items will be used towards the costs of building the three Kentucky homes this summer.
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.
