By Carlee Brown and Max Grossman
Ward 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA) is a 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. Donations of groceries, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and clothing can be brought to the courtyard entrance of CUMC at 900 4th St., SW on Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This months’ particular needs include:
- Non-perishable foods (tuna, chicken, cereal, and snack food) and microwavable meals.
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s winter clothing, and bedding (sheets, blankets, comforters, and towels) that are recently laundered and in good condition.
- Diapers and pull-ups (sizes 5-6)
- Kitchenware like pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and small appliances.
- Help make sure every student can access the online classroom. Alongside partner organization Serve Your City, W6MA is working to bridge the digital divide by providing laptops and tablets to students. Please fill out the form at https://bit.ly/w6ma_laptops if you have a device to donate.
- Tutor local students online. W6MA’s tutoring program is looking for college students, grad students, and professionals who want to lead virtual tutoring sessions in any subject. If you are interested, please contact syctutoringmutualaid@gmail.com
- Give online at https://www.serveyourcitydc.org/donate
W6MA and CUMC have a number of ways you can get the support you need:
- If you or someone you know has a critical need, call the W6MA 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 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. at CUMC (900 4th St., SW; use the courtyard entrance near the library).
- Obtain groceries from the CUMC’s 5000 Ministry Food Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 1 p.m. (courtyard entrance). If you can not come to the church due to health or mobility issues, call 202-554-9117 to request a delivery.