Christ Church Outreach News: June 11, 2026

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.”

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How Yams, Cupcakes or Chocolate Milk Can Make Someone’s Day at the DRC

Our team of Christ Church volunteers arrived on Monday, June 8th, at the Day Resource Center (DRC) to serve a hot midday meal and to replenish DRC’s pantry. They were eagerly anticipated by diners at the facility, which the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center operates to help county residents who are homeless or struggling to make ends meet.

Team leader Shahra Toth reported that DRC’s vegetarian diners relished the sweet potatoes, hominy, salads and other menu options. Anyone with a sweet tooth delighted in the desserts, especially Suzanne Ziobro’s cupcakes decorated with summer-themed sprinkles and tiny beach umbrellas (see photos). And those who depend on the DRC’s pantry welcomed the option to choose shelf-stable milk boxes in either plain or chocolate flavors.

The congregation can take credit for that choice of milk. The Outreach Commission approved spending $170 for a total of 180 8-oz boxes – of which one-third were chocolate milks at the DRC's request. As previously reported, the delivery also included Spam and other canned meats. 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 second Mondays. The pantry needs clothes, too. A parishioner had donated two bags of gently used T-shirts and other items that were added to Monday’s load in the Toth family’s truck (see photos).

Find Grassroots’ monthly needs list on our signups under “Related Files.” The next date to prepare sides and serve a midday meal, or to drop off sides for an evening meal, is July 13. Get details in our DRC online signup form or in our Grassroots online signup form.

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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!

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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.

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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.