If you haven't already heard, there is a grassroots organization run completely by volunteers, organized via the Facebook Group Columbia Community Care, that is working to distribute food and essential supplies to families in need in our community. They have set up pickup and donation dropoff sites in our county operating alongside the Howard County Public School Grab-and-Go free meal programs, so families can also get supplies they need while picking up a hot meal for their children. With over 1,400 Facebook group members, both the need in our community and those willing to help our neighbors during these challenging times is both heart wrenching and inspiring.
I encourage everybody with means to do what they could to support these community activists. Please visit their Facebook page Columbia Community Care for all the details on ways to help. To summarize, they are seeking cash donations and donations of supplies, as well as volunteers to work at the distribution sites and to shop/delivery groceries to families who need them all while practicing smart social distancing safety protocols.
First, read the Group FAQ to learn all the details on how to help and what is needed.
Give a cash donation to group organizer and WLHS Spanish Teacher Strauss Chavarria via any the following methods. Venmo: @SraChav, CashApp: $SraChav, PayPal: morenita1623@yahoo.com.
Drop off physical donations to school sites (items in need include paper products like TP, paper towels, and tissues; diapers, and wipes; in addition to food) during the the distribution times at Swansfield ES, Lake Elkhorn MS, Wilde Lake MS, Oakland Mills MS, and Howard HS. Again, consult the Facebook group and FAQ above for additional details.
Purchase items online for donation and delivery through their Amazon Wishlist.
Shop for and also deliver food to individual families (we will reimburse you for the purchase). Fill out the following excel sheet if you are able to do this: https://docs.google.com/…/1-5qsteRmNqL-ct63SX0o0vi3PG…/edit…