Volunteers supported Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) and Christ United Methodist Church 5000 Food Ministry’s Spring Food Drive. Courtesy of Karen McManus

By Regina Mazur 

The community response to Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) and Christ United Methodist Church 5000 Food Ministry’s Spring Food Drive was nothing short of heartwarming, demonstrating the generous spirit of “solidarity, NOT charity” of the Southwest neighborhood. Donations poured in weekly, helping to restock shelves and provide much-needed assistance to those in need. 

A multitude of neighborhood communities, including River Park, Harbor Square, Tiber Island, Riverside, Modern on M, Waterside, The Channel, Incanto, and Wharf Marina, rallied around the cause and hosted donation boxes to support the drive. Harbor Square residents went above and beyond, contributing an impressive amount that was double what any other community group brought in. 

While the drive may be over, the need for donations continues, and contributions are accepted year-round at Christ United Methodist Church on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and SW Farmers Market (425 M St SW) at the Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid table, on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

With the summer quickly approaching, the Southwest Clothing Closet at Christ United Methodist Church will be accepting men’s, women’s, and children’s summer clothing. Clothing must be clean and in good condition, with no stains, tears, holes, or worn patches.  Please no sweaters or heavy winter clothing.   The clothing closet is open on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for community members in need. 

Food Distributions: 900 4th St SW – CUMC 5000 Food Pantry and SYC/Ward 6 Mutual Aid Groceries, cleaning and personal supplies and fresh produce 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at 2:00 p.m. Fresh Produce only on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 2:00 p.m.

MORE WAYS TO HELP: 

Help the Unhoused: Our unhoused neighbors here in Washington, DC still need essential supplies to thrive, not just survive! You can make a difference this spring by purchasing items from Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid’s Wishlist at bit.ly/syctentlist. For questions, please contact us at media@serveyourcitydc.org. 

Virtual Tutors Needed: Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid’s “Free School for Unlimited Youth” program provides FREE virtual tutoring to Black and Brown K-12 students across Washington, DC. We are constantly seeking passionate volunteer members to join our team! We welcome college students, graduate students, and professionals who are committed to making a difference in any subject. If you’re interested in becoming a virtual tutor, please visit bit.ly/sycvolunteertutor or contact us at youthenrichment@serveyourcitydc.org for more details. 

Current Donation Needs: With the ending of the extra SNAP benefits and the rise in food costs, the need for food has increased and our shelves are getting bare. Any food donation is welcome. Below are our greatest needs. Donations can be dropped off at the Pod during its open hours.  

·       Food: tuna, chicken, soup, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, cold cereal, box milk, tea, Ensure

·       Cleaning: dish soap, spray disinfectant, bleach

·       Personal Hygiene: mouthwash, Depends (all sizes), deodorant

·       Household: towels, bedding, microwave, toaster, silverware

·       Other: plastic grocery bags that we can use to bag produce in (gently used, no holes)

If you need additional support with food and supplies, please call the Mutual Aid Hotline      at 202-683- 9962 or email  ward6mutualaid@gmail.com

Want to Learn More or Get Involved? We need more people to help with the food   distribution on Saturdays please contact us for more information at  swmutualaid@serveyourcity.org

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