By Carlee Brown & Max Grossman
“Ready for delivery” Southwest Mutual Aid helps feed residents in need; Courtesy of Author
Ward 6 Mutual Aid is an all-volunteer grassroots group working with black and brown community organizations to help keep our communities safe. Over the past two months, the Southwest Pod of Ward 6 Mutual Aid has partnered with Christ United Methodist Church on a community food and supply drive to serve our neighbors in response to Covid-19. Through their partnership, the Southwest Pod and Christ United Methodist Church have provided groceries and supplies to 230 families in Southwest DC, along with 175 donated and handmade masks.
Interested in ways to help? There are several ways to show your support.
- Donate groceries and supplies. Donations are accepted at Christ United Methodist Church (900 4th St. SW) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m., and Saturdays from 12-2 p.m. This month the team is in particular need of canned tuna and chicken, soup, beans, rice, cereal, and canned or fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Give online. Monetary donations made to the Mutual Aid partner organization Serve Your City at serveyourcitydc.org will directly support Mutual Aid efforts throughout Ward 6, including here in Southwest.
- Sponsor a donation box in your building. Encourage your neighbors to donate by setting up a box in your building. The Southwest Pod can help with materials and management. Contact Whitney at wrolig@live.com for more information.
- Volunteer. The Southwest Pod is seeking volunteers to help sew masks, staff our local food pantry, and pitch in on the Mutual Aid hotline to field calls from home from our neighbors in need. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact ward6mutualaid@gmail.com.
The Christ United Methodist Church’s food pantry will change its distribution hours in June to the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. The church’s effort is called the 5000 Ministry Food Pantry, named after the miracle of the 5000 people Jesus fed from five loaves and two fish.
If you or someone you know has a critical need, call the Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-683-9962.