Christ Church Outreach News: December 22, 2022
Support Continues for the Community Action Council, Helping People To Avoid Eviction and To Shop at the Howard County Food Bank
Once again, Christ Church is supporting the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). Earlier, our Thanksgiving Food Drive and a monetary donation helped with holiday meals through the Howard County Food Bank. To help keep food on the tables through the New Year, Christ Church donated an additional $250 to the food bank.
CAC’s food bank was one of the first in the country to install a shopping model identical to navigating a grocery store. “This restores dignity and choice to the families we serve,” CAC says on the Food Assistance section of its website. Thanks to our parishioners for helping make those choices possible! The need is so great that the food bank counts more than 50,000 annual visits.
Outreach members at the December meeting also approved a $1,000 donation to CAC for eviction relief and prevention. “Your assistance helps keep the lights on and a family safe in their home,” CAC says on the Energy and Housing Assistance section of its website.
The eviction and nutrition funds are the latest approved by the Outreach Commission in 2022 for CAC’s efforts to help disadvantaged residents. Earlier we sent $1,000 for general purposes that include early childhood education. In response, CAC honors Christ Church among its “Village of Supporters” in various ways, including recognition of partners during its annual Holland Awards event.
Here’s a hearty “Thank-you” to parishioners for your contributions to Christ Church, as Vestry-approved funds for Outreach purposes go to these good causes – locally, nationally, and internationally.
Columbia Community Care Requests Diapers, Personal Care Items
At Christ Church, members of R.A.G.E and the Outreach Commission ask parishioners to continue support of the all-volunteer organization, Columbia Community Care (CCC). For updates, such as site distribution closures over the holidays, go online to the CCC Facebook Group. Those looking for ways to help, for example, will find a need for volunteers to sort grocery items at the CCC pantry building, 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia.
Please keep collecting diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items and adult diapers. Put any of these in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall. Drop off items on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. The Christ Church point of contact is Leigh Smith, who monitors the bins and delivers their contents.
FISH Asks Our Prayers Along with Snacks and Cookies
Our representative from FISH of Howard County sends his thanks for our prayers during 2022 as he has been recovering from surgery. Paul Wisniewski also says other representatives will replace him during 2023. Pickups have resumed from our yellow bin between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. Please continue donating cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill the shopping lists. Thanks for your contributions to our neighbors in need.
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.
