Christ Church Outreach News: August 20, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Help Our LEMS Students with our School Supply Drive - This Saturday, August 22
We can use a few more helping hands this Saturday morning, August 22. Whether you can stay for the entire time from 9:30 - 2:00 or just help for an hour or so, your assistance will be welcomed and appreciated!
We'll start by gathering at the lower level of New Brick at 9:30 a.m. as we load up the supplies into vehicles, and then head over to the school and display them in time for the start of the LEMS Block Party at 11:00. During the Block Party, families who need supplies are given them, and we have provided enough for more than 100 students (THANK YOU for your donations toward these essential items!). We'll also have a Christ Episcopal Church table at the Block Party from 11:00 to 2:00, and if you wish, you can stay for any length of time to answer questions about our church or ministry, help give supplies to families, or simply enjoy seeing the kickoff to the new school year.
Also, even if you can't come, please give to LEMS so we can provide more school supplies and support teachers throughout the year. You can write a check with LEMS in the memo line or give online using the drop-down menu labeled LEMS. Please visit the Christ Church website to read all the details, and speak with Cathy Whittaker, Jan Deboissiere, Sara Kirkpatrick, Jenny Cecil, or email us at LEMSPC@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Community Action Council Gets Funds to Help Families in Many Ways
In response to community needs, the Outreach Commission at its August meeting approved a donation of $2,500 to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). These are Vestry-approved funds derived from parishioners’ pledges and contributions. Thank you for helping others when they need it most.
Christ Church is a long-term supporter – monetarily and through in-kind contributions to CAC’s Howard County Food Bank. Our seasonal food drives at Giant supermarkets collect hundreds of pounds of non-perishable groceries each year.
The CAC is the county’s official anti-poverty, non-profit agency, which posted a snapshot of its impact in Fiscal Year 2026: 242 students educated, 88 families saved from eviction, 1,359,481 meals provided, 3,999 families kept their lights on, and 688 homes made more energy efficient. With your help, that work continues.
Part of the donation will go toward the general fund, which covers aid for these services through several essential programs: early childhood education, housing assistance, energy assistance, and weatherization. A $1,000 donation goes to the Howard County Food Bank, which will use the funds to provide more options for Thanksgiving dinners. Some families and individuals prefer a hen, turkey breast, or plant-based proteins rather than a whole turkey. Having a choice becomes yet another aspect of a meaningful holiday.
CAC expressed gratitude for the “tremendous support“ by Christ Church. “You can be assured that the donation will go towards providing critical human services to Howard County residents in need,” said Development Specialist Todd Stubbs.
Despite being among the nation’s most prosperous, many residents in Howard County struggle with rising costs and financial instability. Demand for food assistance and affordable early childhood education has grown significantly, particularly along the Route One Corridor. CAC and government officials broke ground last fall in Elkridge on a site that will house a more efficient food bank and an education center, as described in a Sept. 26, 2025 county release. CAC received county and state funds to launch the project but is conducting a fundraising campaign for the balance.
Bring Lightweight, Natural-fiber Clothing by Aug. 30 for an Outreach Collection to Help Visually-Impaired People and their Families in Nigeria
Christ Church is supporting a late-summer clothing drive by the Living Above Limitation Charity Foundation (LALCF), which sends lightweight, natural-fiber garments to visually impaired people in Nigeria. Their disabled residents and their families face greater barriers than the general population and may not be able to afford sufficient clothing.
Dr. Liz Trimnell of Laurel, MD, founded the charity to provide Braille classes, vocational training, white canes, and similar aids to the blind. Read about its work on its Facebook page. She made a presentation last spring to the Outreach Commission, which is sponsoring the drive under the direction of Sonni Aribiah. Her planned shipment by ocean freighter is scheduled to arrive in time for Christmas in Calabar, Nigeria, Sonni’s hometown. The visually impaired men and women who rely on LALCF for better lives – and their spouses and children – eagerly anticipate its arrival.
At Christ Church, the deadline is Sunday, August 30, which is the same day as our Parish Festival & Ministry Fair. Look for the marked box in the Narthex. New or gently used clothing should be suitable for wear in a tropical climate and made of cotton, linen, flax, bamboo, and other natural fibers. No synthetics! Please bring the following:
Adult – t-shirts and polo shirts (Sizes S–XL); lightweight pants and jeans (waist sizes 28–42); shorts (S-XL); casual button-down shirts (S-XL); t-shirts (Sizes S-XL or 6-18); casual dresses and skirts (Sizes S–XL); blouses and tops (Sizes S-XL or 6-18).
Children – everyday play clothes for boys and girls; school-appropriate, all sizes; infant and toddler clothes, all sizes.
Please Fill the Altar Basket and Parish Hall Bin with Goods for FISH/CCC
FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged pantries. CCC continues to hand out food by home delivery to Howard County residents and at three sites on Saturday mornings, except on holiday weekends. For information, go online to Get Help.
FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents to provide guidance and financial support because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong or email andydelong.fish@gmail.com.
You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you!
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.
