Christ Church Outreach News: January 15, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Christ Church parishioners regularly brighten the lives of our homeless neighbors who rely on the Day Resource Center (DRC) in Jessup, pitching in personally in ways that go beyond cooking and serving our monthly midday meal. Some make substantial purchases for its pantry and donate gently-used clothing, especially outerwear. The latest gifts even included a hand-knit hat.
Recently, the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, which operates the DRC and two other facilities, expressed hearty thanks in a couple of ways.
In a Jan. 6 post on its Facebook page, Grassroots said, “Thank you for your support,” while outlining an astounding number of recent services provided by the DRC, located at the Leola Dorsey Resource Center. “In December, we gave away more than 16,000 food and clothing items! We provide free hot meals, showers, laundry, access to housing and social services, case management, support through a food and clothing pantry, and other resources.”
In its Facebook story post, the center enumerated: 1441 visits, 436 guests, an average of 120 people served daily, 282 showers, 277 loads of laundry, and distribution of 15,759 food items, 515 pairs of underwear, 282 shirts, 111 hats, 730 pairs of socks, 59 pairs of shoes/boots, 138 pairs of pants, 104 sweatshirts, 48 coats, 61 scarves, and 105 pairs of gloves. All that was accomplished with the help of 168 volunteers who put in 767 hours.
As you may recall, Christ Church paid for some of those things, spending nearly $500 in November and December on men’s new and gently used clothing, as described in the Outreach Blog of Dec. 23, 2025. The Outreach Commission also approved a $500 donation to Grassroots for its various services in Howard County. These funds were derived from parishioners’ giving to the church. Here’s an expression of gratitude that’s meant for you:
“Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of those we serve,” wrote Dr. Mariana Izraelson, executive director of Grassroots, in her letter of Dec. 30, 2025. “Grassroots is there for our community members during a crisis situation. Your gift helps provide mental health crisis counseling, emergency shelter, and access to our food pantry. Thank you for your support of our programs and services.”
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.
The charitable arm of Althea’s Almost Famous food truck and catering company has partnered with Howard County government to host a drive for hurricane relief during a food truck event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The location is outside the Howard County building at 9755 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia, MD 21044.
Participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products. These will be sent to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which struck the Caribbean in late October. A post by Althea Hanson, the caterer’s proprietor, was shared by leaders of Columbia Community Care (CCC) on CCC’s Facebook page:
“After the recent hurricane, families in Jamaica lost homes, food, and basic necessities. Many are still experiencing an incredibly hard time – emotionally, financially, and physically. Recovery is ongoing, and the need is still real," she said.
Christ Church, through the Outreach Commission, donated $700 to hurricane relief in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, as described in the Outreach Blog of Dec. 11, 2025.
CCC and FISH Need Diapers, Non-Perishables for Their Shared Pantry
FISH and Columbia Community Care partnered last year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and deliver it to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help. CCC also offers activities for young people.
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.
DreamBuilders - Upcoming Save-the-Dates
February 8th, 2:00 p.m. at Temple Isaiah - DreamBuilders General Meeting · Come hear about our plans for the year, and how you can get involved. We’ll have descriptions of upcoming trips and local projects, too. There will be lots of pictures of projects past and lots of people who can answer any questions.
March 14th, 5 - 8 p.m. at Temple Isaiah - DreamBuilders Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction · Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner and bid on a wide and wonderful variety of items and activities, all in support of DreamBuilders. This is our largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds help make our building projects possible. We will need lots of help to make this event a success, and we will be looking for donations for the auction, too.
The LEMS Kindness Pantry Returns in 2026
We have probably all had moments when we have said, or at least thought, that 2025 was a tough year for too many people. And it has been, particularly for those who struggle economically or physically.
Yet when I look back on 2025, I am so amazed by what all of you have done to make life a little better for the students and families of Lake Elkhorn Middle School by providing items for our Kindness Pantry. There are many stomachs that weren't hungry and bodies that weren't cold because you contributed. You packed book bags and brought them to the school to help students start the school year with the supplies they needed. You were God's hands and feet in our community.
In addition, many of you contributed funds that supported events such as Shrek - the school play, the multicultural dinner, the Turkey Trot, and costumes for the science teachers. Some of you became tutors, and lunchroom aides, or attended school events like the amazing one for Black History Month.
Our first request for 2026 is to replenish the Kindness Pantry. The items should be placed in the blue bin in the narthex at New Brick by next Sunday, January 18. Please click this SignUpGenius link and let us know what you can bring. And don't forget to let us know if you would like to become more involved by distributing food at the next PopUp Pantry on January 21, or by becoming a lunchroom aide, or tutor. We would love to have you! Email LEMS@christchurchcolumbia.org
Help the MOCC Impact the Foster Care Community
Thanks to everyone who has already contributed to the MOCC's ongoing R.A.K. (Random Act of Kindness) in support of 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 filled with items designed to provide a bit of comfort for youth as they enter their local foster care system. Every donation aims to provide comfort to those who are experiencing this firsthand.
You can find the donation bin in the Narthex, and in February, you'll be able to meet and speak with Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer. Rob will share details about Comfort Cases with our congregation during the 10:30 service on Sunday, February 8th. In the meantime, we invite you to learn about Rob's powerful story and learn how we can make an impact here in Howard County.
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.
