Christ Church Outreach News: December 23, 2025
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Christ Church Helps the Homeless by Donating to Grassroots, Buying Clothing to Replenish the Shelves at Its Day Resource Center
Your generosity has eased the lives of our homeless neighbors, who rely on the food and clothing available at the Day Resource Center in Jessup. That is one of three sites operated by the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, which provides free, 24-hour behavioral health, crisis intervention, and homeless services.
The Outreach Commission recently approved several purchases for the DRC, where a team of Christ Church volunteers serves a midday meal each month. In response to DRC requests in November and December, we bought $207 worth of men’s underwear and spent $288 for eight hoodies in large sizes and 31 pairs of men’s jeans. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners. A hearty thanks!
At its December meeting, Outreach also approved a donation of $500 to Grassroots for its various services in Howard County. We heard about the comprehensive nature of those programs on Sept. 21, when a Grassroots representative spoke on the theme of Generosity at Sunday Circle. For a recap of the presentation by Anna Katz, Grassroots director of grants and support, go to the Outreach Blog of Oct. 9, 2025.
She responded with gratitude when notified of our recent donation. “Thank you so much, and it is very much needed with the decrease in grant funds and the increase in demand for services,” Katz wrote. “Wishing everyone at Christ Episcopal a Merry Christmas, and thank you for your support.”
On Dec. 18, Grassroots participated in the National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, which is held on or near the Winter Solstice - the date occurred on Dec. 21 this year. Communities across the country recognize the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year – to remember those who have died while homeless or with a history of homelessness.
The memorial service honored 19 people, many of whom had interacted with the Christ Church meals team at the DRC over the years. During a candlelighting ceremony, members of the DRC staff were among those reading the names of those who died in 2025.
“Each name we honor represents a life with meaning and a story that deserves to be remembered,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. He issued a call to action to see that “every resident has a pathway to safe, stable housing,” and expressed thanks to the faith community, frontline providers and volunteers, among others. Go to the Facebook Page of the county executive to read Ball’s remarks and view photos.
The event was sponsored by the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development, which posted a video recording on the Facebook page of HowardCountyHousing. (Go to the portion from 45:32 to 50:38 to hear names read during the candlelighting ceremony.)
A representative of the Outreach Commission attended the service, hosted by Columbia Baptist Fellowship and the Howard County Coalition to End Homelessness at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center.
CCC Takes Holiday Break, Thanks Supporters of Its Annual Toy Giveaway Day
Columbia Community Care (CCC) will be closed for the Christmas holiday, which means there will be no distributions on Saturday, Dec. 27. Those who need assistance may go to “Get Help” on CCC’s website to arrange a future delivery.
CCC held a successful giveaway of donated toys and gifts for kids 2 to 16, helping 600 families on Sunday, Dec. 21 during a celebration led by STAND Mentorship at the Homewood School. Check the CCC Facebook Group for photos and comments. That includes thanks to supporters, including several Christ Church parishioners who donated toys, gifts and new or gently-used children’s books.
FISH and CCC partnered earlier this year and merged their pantries. 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.
