By Katrina Avila
The enduring mission of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) remains unchanged: to provide resources to Black and Brown youth and families across DC that others may already possess. Whether it’s offering after-school enrichment and tutoring programs or vital support, SYC/W6MA has played a crucial role in ensuring community safety and supplying our neighbors with essential provisions. A partnership between Christ United Methodist Church and the Southwest Pod of SYC/W6MA, along with collaborative efforts with grassroots organizations serving Black and Brown communities, has significantly contributed to this cause.
SYC/W6MA consistently explores innovative approaches to support the community, leading various initiatives throughout the year. Activities such as distributing food and organizing clothing drives represent only a portion of the initiatives undertaken by SYC/W6MA to uplift the community. The Southwest Pod of SYC/W6MA deeply appreciates the ongoing donations and support that fuel these efforts.
The Fourth Annual #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash was a success! But there’s still much more work to do:
With the help of our dedicated supporters and community partners, the fourth annual #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash was a huge success, providing over 2,000 backpacks and 500 digital devices to Black and Brown students in mostly Wards 5-8! In partnership with the DC United Foundation and sponsored by several great community organizations (including the Capital Yacht Club Community Chest, one of our most long-standing champions and partners), we threw a great party on August 26 at Eastern Market Metro Plaza full of families, fun, and food to celebrate the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Thank you for standing in solidarity with our mission to ensure Black and Brown K-12 youth across DC have access to the tools and resources necessary to succeed this school year. The celebration continues! Until Friday, September 29, your support holds the potential to reach even more Black and Brown students during this school year. For additional details and to contribute toward the sustained realization of our mission, please visit serveyourcitydc.org/b2sb.
Interested in More Ways to Help?
Current Donation Needs: SYC/W6MA is actively receiving donations of non-perishable foods, toiletries, and household cleaning items every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Look for our collection point at the back courtyard gate of Christ United Methodist Church (900 4th Street Southwest: entrance near the library). Below is a list of the essentials we need the most. If you want to pitch in, you can drop off your donations at the Southwest Pod when it’s open. Your “solidarity, NOT charity” will definitely make a big difference.
- Food: chicken, tuna, canned soup, canned vegetables, dry pasta, rice, pasta sauce, box milk, cold cereal, granola bars.
- Personal Hygiene: feminine products, deodorant, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, Depends (all sizes), bar soap.
- Household: towels, bedding, microwave, toaster, silverware.
- Other: plastic grocery bags that we can use to bag produce in (gently used, no holes).
You can also find the SYC/W6MA table at the Southwest Farmers’ Market each Saturday throughout the month, weather permitting. We’re more than happy to take in fresh produce, meat, and dairy donations too, as they help us provide a well-rounded selection of food. Don’t hesitate to swing by, say hello, and make a contribution.
Join us every Saturday at 2:00 p.m. for our food distribution: SYC/W6MA teams up with Christ United Methodist Church 5000 Food Pantry to provide fresh produce. Additionally, on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, also at 2:00 p.m., we broaden our selection to include groceries, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. You can find our distribution location at 900 4th St SW. If you require further assistance with food and supplies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to SYC/W6MA’s Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-683-9962 or send an email to ward6mutualaid@gmail.com.
Want to Learn More or Get Involved? We are actively seeking more volunteers to help with food distribution on Saturdays. For additional information, please contact us at swmutualaid@serveyourcitydc.org.