By Carlee Crown 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. For over a year, the Southwest Pod of W6MA has partnered with Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) on a community food and supply drive to serve our neighbors in response to COVID-19.
We wanted to extend another thank you to the community for supporting the SW DC Ducklings Children’s Clothing Drive. Last month we distributed clothing to over 100 children.
Our work continues. Interested in other ways to help W6MA and CUMC?
- Donate groceries, cleaning supplies and household items at CUMC. Please note that our hours of operation have changed. Starting in May, we’ll be accepting donations Wednesdays and Fridays 3-6 p.m., as well as Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Needed items include:
- Non-perishable foods: tuna, chicken, cereal, pasta sauce (plastic jars), soup, snack food, coffee, and microwavable meals
- Cleaning supplies: dish soap, laundry detergent, and paper towels
- Personal Hygiene items: shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, diapers (size 6)
- Please note, we will no longer be accepting children or adult clothing
- Help make sure every student can access the online classroom. Alongside our 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 bit.ly/w6ma_laptops if you would like to donate a device.
- 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.
W6MA and CUMC have a number of ways you can get the support you need:
- If you or someone you know has a need for food or cleaning supplies, call the W6MA Hotline at 202-683-9962. You can request food, masks, cleaning supplies, and other goods for delivery.
- If you or someone you know would like help with making a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or would like general information about the vaccine, please call the W6MA COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 202-964-0991.
- Obtain groceries and fresh produce at 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.
Want to learn more? Email swmutualaid@serveyourcitydc.org.