Christ Church Outreach News: May 14, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Donation to The Salvation Army Will Help Mississippi Tornado Victims
Last week, tornadoes swept through central and western Mississippi, damaging hundreds of homes. An NBC News report on May 7 described destruction caused by 14 tornadoes, which downed trees, power lines, houses and businesses.
In response, Outreach Commission members voted at the May meeting to contribute $500 to The Salvation Army, which said in several online posts on May 9 that it had mobilized to swiftly help displaced families: “Through the support of generous neighbors, The Salvation Army can continue providing meals, hydration, emotional and spiritual care, and practical support to people recovering from this disaster.”
These are Vestry-approved funds derived from your pledges and contributions. Thank you!
Christ Church Holds the Spring Food Drive on Saturday, May 16, 10 AM to 2 PM, with a Streamlined Plan For Volunteers at River Hill Giant in Clarksville
Thanks to everyone who signed up to take part this weekend in the Spring Food Drive by volunteering for a one-hour shift. This is one of the most rewarding ways to help feed the hungry, as we ask shoppers to help collect groceries and staples for two food pantries.
Come to the River Hill Giant Food, 6050 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, Md., 21029 this Saturday, May 16 during your shift from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a hands-on, family-friendly activity that occurs twice a year. For information, email outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org.
Once again, Christ Church is adapting to corporate rules that limit the number of volunteers on the supermarket premises. In response to a request from Giant Foods management, we must streamline our traditional drive. We are limited to four people at any one time, of whom two will interact with Giant customers, one will pack, and one will sort and help overall.
Those who do not have a shift are encouraged to participate by planning their own shopping trip at River Hill Giant during the drive. With the shopping list in hand, you can buy some of the pantry's requested items.
Groceries collected at the supermarket go to the Howard County Food Bank, which is operated by the Community Action Council of Howard County, and to SAFE, its partner pantry that provides free gluten-free and allergy-safe foods to low-income families and individuals.
At our Fall Food Drive held at a Giant supermarket in Dorsey’s Search, we collected 1,776 pounds for the food bank and 307 pounds for SAFE. That combined total of 2,083 pounds amounts to more than a ton of food and staples!
During the drives, the experience provides hands-on service not only to our volunteers but also to shoppers we approach with a list of requested items. Most importantly, access to food and necessities is a lifeline for people struggling to make ends meet in Howard County.
Thank You for Helping Fulfill this Month's Kindness Pantry Needs!
We sent out a LEMS Kindness Pantry needs list earlier this week, with the remaining items we were looking to fulfill for the Kindness Pantry taking place next Wednesday, May 20. We are thrilled to say that every slot has been filled, and we are now complete!
Please bring your items to the church by this Sunday, May 17, so we can get them ready. They go in the blue bins in the New Brick Narthex. Many thanks to everyone who has assisted with the Kindness pantry, whether this month or before. Thank you for your commitment to our community school - this simply is not possible with all of YOU!
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!
SAVE THE DATE! June 7 is the Next Annual Matzohball 5K Run
Join in the 22nd Annual Matzohball Run, organized by DreamBuilders member congregation Temple Isaiah on Sunday, June 7th, starting at 8:00 a.m. at Western Regional Park in Woodbine.
The proceeds benefit DreamBuilders, Grassroots, HopeWorks, and others to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in need of support. Christ Church supports all of these organizations, so your help directly assists these groups.
If you would like more information, please speak with Cathy Gold at church.
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.
