Christ Church Outreach News: January 12, 2023
Christ Church Restocks the DRC Medicine Cabinet and Continues to Help Feed the Homeless at Grassroots’ Two Locations in Howard County
It could be a long, cold winter for the homeless men and women who are feeling ill when they come to the Day Resource Center (DRC) in Jessup, Md. Fortunately, Dr. Joseph Gagliardi is ready to treat them at his free medical clinic at the DRC. And thanks to you, the clinic opens 2023 with a full supply of over-the-counter medicines such as antacids and pain relievers.
The physician, who is known to one and all as “Dr. G,” has become accustomed to sharing the clinic’s needs with Christ Church. And, once again, Outreach Commission member Dione Mahoney fulfilled his shopping list. Items to promote good health included vitamins and nutrition supplements, some of which are necessary for diabetic care. These make a big difference for people living in a tent or in their vehicles.
Funds to cover the $179 in purchases were drawn from parishioners' contributions to Outreach, so please accept our gratitude. Dr. G heartily expressed his thanks, posing with Christ Church volunteers on Jan. 9 at the DRC (see above photo).
It was the second Monday of the month when Christ Church is always responsible for preparing and serving DRC’s midday meal and supplying a full menu for the evening meal at a live-in facility, both operated by Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. This month, Mission BBQ provided menu items at each location. Shahra Toth, who leads our Grassroots team with Dione’s assistance, made the restaurant pickup at Mission BBQ.
You, too, can be a part of the team! New volunteers, such as Dianne Azu, are encouraged. Here are three ways to let us know you wish to help on Monday, Feb. 13 to serve the midday meal in person: Tell Shahra when you see her at church, go to our DRC online signup form, or send an email to outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. To provide side dishes or desserts for the evening meal, look for instructions on our Grassroots online signup form.
Parishioners who desire yet another way to help the homeless at Grassroots can choose their own day to furnish all or part of an evening meal. You’ll need to provide enough for 50 men, women, and children by 4:15 p.m. if food is delivered hot. If frozen, you can drop it off ahead of time. Either way, the diners are served by the Grassroots staff at the Live-In Facility, 6700 Freetown Rd., Columbia, MD, 21044. For example, you can order pizzas or buy rotisserie chickens as the entree. Or go online for “Make a Meal” ideas from Grassroots. For dietary reasons, pasta meals are discouraged. Find a list of open dates through Feb. 28 at the Grassroots Online Sign-Up.
Columbia Community Care Invites Will Host a Craft Corner at MLK Day Event
On Monday, Jan. 16, Columbia Community Care(CCC) will host the “Caring Craft Corner for Children” during an immersive experience planned by Howard County Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission (see flier). It will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, MD 21044. The MLK Commission offers more information at this link.
The Outreach Commission asks parishioners to continue supporting CCC, which posted on its CCC Group on Facebook a request for large (size 4 - 6) diapers, currently in short supply in its pantry. In general, please collect diapers, baby wipes, sanitary and personal care items, and adult diapers. Put them in the yellow bin, marked “CCC,” inside the Parish Hall on weekdays when the church office is open or on Sunday. Leigh Smith has become our representative, taking parishioners’ donated items to a CCC site for distribution on Saturdays.
Donate Snacks, Crackers, and Cookies to FISH in Bin on our Breezeway
Organizers for FISH of Howard County are continuing to ask for cookies, crackers, and snacks to fulfill their shopping lists. The yellow bin is between Old Brick and the Parish Hall. 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.
