Christ Church Outreach News: June 18, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Grassroots Says ‘Thank You,’ Honors Its Volunteers at an Annual Luncheon
Volunteers make the world a better place, doing God’s work one hour or one casserole at a time. Last week, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center held its third annual volunteers’ appreciation luncheon at The Meeting House in Oakland Mills. Christ Church was represented by Shahra and George Toth, Eddie Keels, Jan DeBoissiere, and Patricia Fanning, who participate each month in providing meals to the homeless. Jo Emily Knox also attended as part of an organization that supports residents of the Grassroots Emergency Shelter.
This week, Grassroots posted its thanks to all of its many volunteers, whose numbers increased from last year. In 2025, 1,232 volunteers gave 10,551 hours of service across its emergency shelter, crisis center, Cold Weather Shelter and Day Resource Center (DRC). That compares with 822 volunteers who gave 8,423 hours of service the year before.
“Our volunteers have been at the heart of Grassroots since day one, more than 57 years ago. Our clients look for these special people when they visit each day, and they truly make a profound impact on their lives,” Grassroots posted on its Facebook page.
Shahra leads our meals team, which next serves a hot midday meal at the Day Resource Center (DRC) on Monday, July 13. To participate, go to the DRC online signup form for details on serving in person and/or providing a side dish, fruit or desserts. On the same day, other parishioners bring hot and cold side dishes for the evening meal at emergency shelter, whose staff serves it. Get details on the Grassroots online signup form.
Our struggling neighbors also turn to DRC’s pantry to make ends meet. There they can get free necessities as well as non-perishable groceries. In response to a DRC request, the Outreach Commission at its June meeting approved spending $220 for a total of 140 pairs of men’s underwear. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners who give to “General Outreach.” A hearty thanks!
You, too, can pitch in by shopping for the pantry at the DRC and Grassroots’ two other sites. We welcome in-kind donations of items such as hearty soups and fruit cups to be dropped off ahead of time in the Parish Hall kitchen for delivery on the second Monday of each month. Find Grassroots’ monthly needs list on our signups under “Related Files.”
The Women of Christ Church (WOCC) also supports Grassroots through its ongoing “Home Sweet Home” project to help people make a fresh start when they find a new home. In collaboration with the staff of the DRC and emergency shelter, a family exiting Grassroots’ care receives a housewarming kit of kitchen and bath essentials.
Do You Have a Green Thumb? Help Columbia Community Care to Tend Its Garden Plot at Freetown Farm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Columbia Community Care (CCC) invites volunteers to help cultivate its garden plot at Freetown Farm, 8000 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, Md., 21044, in partnership with Community Ecology Institute (CEI).
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance for slots on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m., on Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Go online to this CEI signup form to register for a slot, and choose “general volunteer” under “group.”
CCC encourages both novice and experienced gardeners to help “plant, weed, and maintain this source of fresh, nutritious food for local Howard County families.”
Bring Items for FISH/CCC, and Consider Volunteering to Take Calls from Home
FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, visit Get Help online. For updates on community services such as youth programs, check 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.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial assistance because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong (seen in this photo) or email him at andydelong.fish@gmail.com.
You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you!
School is Over, and the Kindness Pantry at LEMS Concludes a Very Successful First Year of Outreach
Tomorrow is the last day of school for the students at LEMS, so today was the last Food Pantry for the school year. There were so many parents coming to pick up their children and pick up food that it was hard to find a parking space.
We had 100 boxes filled with eggs, yogurt, greens, black raspberries, ground turkey, and other fresh fruits and vegetables from the Roving Radish to distribute. In addition, the staff decided to empty the Kindness Pantry for the year, so families were able to pick up canned goods and household items as well. You might recognize some of your contributions on the photos attached. The parents filled out a digital survey to help the staff better understand what types items the families were most likely to need and use.
Thanks so much to Jenny Cecil, Jan DeBoissiere and Sara Kirkpatrick for being there today to assist the families. It took less than an hour for all the food and household goods to be claimed. As always, people were very appreciative and left with smiles on their faces.
Thanks to Sara Kirkpatrick for working in a math classroom during the past year with students whose levels needed a little lift! And thanks to Jan for working in the cafeteria with all those hungry, active students. Jan also helped with the set for High School Musical.
And thanks to all of you for keeping the Kindness Pantry well stocked. It's empty now, so you'll be hearing from us again in the fall. You'll also be hearing from us this summer about how you can help both students and teachers with supplies for the 2026-2027 school year.
Jesus told Peter, "Feed my sheep." That continues to be our task today - to feed our brothers and sisters physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you for being integrally involved in that work.
Jenny Cecil, Jan DeBoissiere, Sara Kirkpatrick, and Cathy Whittaker - LEMS Committee
Home of Our Own Howard is Having a Yard Sale at CEC - June 27
Home Of Our Own Howard (HOOO), Howard County’s local furniture bank for individuals and families in need, is holding a yard sale at Christ Episcopal Church. All funds raised will support our clients who are moving into a home after experiencing a crisis. The yard sale is on June 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain (Parish Hall lower level) or shine (outside on the lawn).
We hope you can support their cause by finding treasures at the sale. There will be a wide variety of items at great prices, including small appliances, linens, curtains, dishware, glassware, kitchenware, artwork, and home décor. 100% of proceeds go directly toward helping neighbors in need fill their empty homes. The majority of the items are priced between $1 and $ 5.
HOOO provides furniture and essential household goods to Howard County residents facing hardship. Most items are generously donated by community members — keeping quality goods out of landfills and putting them into the hands of families starting over. When HOOO receives donated items that aren't suitable for direct distribution, they're sold to raise funds that support the same mission. Every dollar stays local. Every purchase helps a family in need create a safe, functioning home.
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.
