Christ Church Outreach News: December 18, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Bridges’ Guilford House Gets a Facelift, and Christ Church Makes a Donation
Volunteers from Christ Episcopal Church worked during several outings this fall to spiff up a townhouse that is owned by Bridges to Housing Stability. The Howard County property needed TLC inside and out. Known as Guilford House, it is the home of several returning citizens who have gotten their lives on track after incarceration. Bridges operates this transitional housing in partnership with the Howard County Department of Corrections.
George Toth, a Vestry and Outreach member who is knowledgeable about home repair, led the refurbishment. He and Shahra Toth, who took on the role of landscaper, called on a few parishioners who have worked together on Building & Grounds efforts at Christ Church. Dave Lanczynski worked with George to tackle outdoor drainage issues during the October sessions, while Outreach member Shahra handled pruning, weeding, and mulching.
Meanwhile, George conferred with Bridges and Howard County personnel to plan stairwell repairs, including safety upgrades to the handrail. After George completed the improvements, including drywall, it was time to paint. On Nov. 3, a Christ Church team of six took up paint brushes and rollers to beautify the kitchen, living room, and stairwell. Buildings & Grounds Chair Jan DeBoissiere, Cathy Gold, Eileen Harlee, and Outreach member Michon Semon joined the Toths.
Planning began during the summer after Bridges called for volunteerism during a presentation to congregations attended by Father Manny. In the next few months, the volunteers had the chance to get to know the Guilford house residents, who work and are involved in the community. Bridges paid the bulk of the expenses for the home improvement. “The transformation is night and day!” said Sarah Hicks, Affordable Housing Program Manager at Bridges. “Thank you for all the work that you have done.”
The Outreach Commission, at its December meeting, approved a $450 donation to Bridges for its various programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness in Howard County. These include Bridges Alliance, which offers a “Circle of Support” for low-to-moderate-income tenants of its properties; an initiative that collaborates with landlords; and its new HoCo Home Share program, which could benefit empty nesters. Among the two dozen entries in Bridges’ client stories of success is one about Bobby, who lived at Guilford House while advancing in a supermarket job. Bobby met his fiancée at work, and they moved on to a home of their own.
Thanks to Every Generous Donor for Making This a Heartwarming 2025 Angel Tree Drive!
What a memorable Christmas it will be for each of the 12 children whose wishes are being fulfilled, for their families, and for all the helpers who have made it happen. We focused our support on a group of middle-school-age “angels” to meet a need identified by the Howard County (Central Maryland) division of The Salvation Army. It sponsors the Angel Tree here and elsewhere.
Generous parishioners granted all of the children’s wishes, either buying the items or donating funds. Soon after Thanksgiving, you rapidly filled up all 48 slots on the 2025 Angel Tree signup list. Our “angels” will be receiving gifts such as a scooter, a soccer ball, earbuds, and a crochet kit. And each child will enjoy an outfit and new shoes.
Outreach Commission member Melanie Yaksich led the drive, which culminated on Dec. 12 when Angela Braham and Jenny Cecil joined her to sort the incoming gifts (see photos). These were delivered to the Salvation Army’s warehouse by December 13. The timing allows families to receive and wrap their children’s gifts, as parents anticipate a much brighter Christmas than would otherwise be possible. On their behalf, please accept this hearty “Thank You!”
On Sunday, A Last Chance Before Christmas to Buy DreamBuilders Goods
Look for fair-trade coffee, tea and chocolates being sold to benefit DreamBuilders after worship services on Sunday, Dec. 21. It’s for a good cause so teams can prepare to rebuild after disasters. The group most recently traveled to Kentucky for the third year in a row to build homes after devastating floods.
CCC and FISH Need Diapers and Non-Perishables for Their Shared Pantry
FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered earlier this year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and deliver it to Howard County residents. If you would like information, you can visit Get Help online. CCC also offers activities for young people. Find updates on CCC’s Facebook page.
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.
MOCC's Comfort Cases Donation Drive
Thanks to everyone who has already contributed to the MOCC's current R.A.K. (Random Act of Kindness), supporting Comfort Cases. In our country today, the number of kids entering the foster care system is steadily rising, and that's where Comfort Cases come in - they're a small duffel bag or backpack designed to provide a bit of comfort for youth as they enter the local foster care system. Every donation aims to provide comfort to those who are experiencing this firsthand.
The MOCC is accepting donations from now through January 10th, and you can see a donation bin in the Narthex. You can also speak with Duane Smith or any MOCC member to get more information about Comfort Cases. We are also taking donations for Comfort Cases at this Saturday's Christmas Dinner, so if you're coming, we hope that you'll consider bringing something to help this cause.
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.
