By Carlee Brown and Max Grossman
Ward 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA) is an all-volunteer grassroots group working with Black and Brown grassroots organizations to help keep our communities safe. The Southwest Pod of W6MA is partnering with Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) on a community food and supply drive to serve our neighbors in response to COVID-19.
Interested in ways to help? There are several ways to show your support:
- Donate groceries and supplies. Come say hi and consider donating fresh produce bought at the Southwest Farmer’s Market on Saturdays between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations of groceries, cleaning supplies and toiletries can be brought to the courtyard entrance of CUMC at 900 4th St. SW on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Help make sure every student can access the online classroom. W6MA is working to bridge the digital divide, providing devices and school supplies to students to make sure that D.C.’s virtual school year is a success. Alongside partner organization Serve Your City, we are providing digital devices to local students. Please visit http://dcbacktoschoolbash.com for more information or email syclaptopsmutualaid@gmail.com if you have a laptop or tablet to donate.
- Tutor local students online. W6MA’s tutoring program is looking for college students, grad students, and professionals who want to volunteer for virtual tutoring sessions in any subject. If you are interested, please contact syctutoringmutualaid@gmail.com
- Volunteer. The Southwest Pod of W6MA is also seeking volunteers to help staff our local food pantry and help with our farmer’s market tabling and food distribution. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact karenlmcmanus@gmail.com.
W6MA and CUMC have a number of ways you can get the support you need:
- Stop by the Community Closet Giveaway hosted by Christ United Methodist Church October 3rd from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on CUMC’s front lawn at 4th and I St. SW. The event will offer free baby and children’s clothes and supplies, women’s clothes, shoes and accessories, and some household items. There will be no charge, but donations to CUMC School Uniform Fund will be accepted.
- If you or someone you know has a critical need, call the Ward 6 Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-683-9962. You can request food, masks, cleaning supplies, and other goods for delivery.
- Obtain fresh produce from W6MA’s community drive on Sundays from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church (900 4th St. SW; use courtyard entrance near library).
Obtain groceries from the Christ United Methodist Church’s 5000 Ministry Food Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 9-11 a.m. (courtyard entrance). If you can not come to the church due to health or mobilities issues, call 202-554-9117 to request a delivery.