By Katrina Avila
The enduring mission of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) remains steadfast: to provide resources to Black and Brown youth and families across DC that others may already possess. Whether it involves offering after-school enrichment and tutoring programs or essential support, SYC/W6MA plays a pivotal role in ensuring community safety and supplying our neighbors with necessary provisions. The collaboration between Christ United Methodist Church and the Southwest Pod of SYC/W6MA, coupled with joint efforts with grassroots organizations serving Black and Brown communities, has made a significant contribution to this cause.
SYC/W6MA consistently explores innovative approaches to community support, spearheading various initiatives throughout the year. Activities such as the distribution of food and the organization of clothing drives through the Southwest Pod of SYC/W6MA represent just a fraction of the initiatives undertaken by SYC/W6MA to uplift our communities. The Southwest Pod of SYC/W6MA expresses profound gratitude for the continuous donations and support that sustain these efforts year-round.
Curious about Ways to Contribute? Discover various ways to engage with Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid:
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 winter by purchasing items from Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid’s Wishlist at bit.ly/syctentlist. If you have any questions about the wishlist, reach out to us at info@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.
Upcoming Holiday/Winter Hours: The Southwest Pod of Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid, located at Christ United Methodist Church (900 4th Street SW – access through the courtyard gate at the back of the building on the side street off Wesley Place SW), will temporarily suspend our table at the Southwest Farmers Market and the related produce distribution operations until Spring 2024. During this period, Christ United Methodist Church’s 5000 Food Pantry will continue to offer food and supplies on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, with no distributions on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. SYC/W6MA’s Southwest Pod will be open on Saturdays exclusively for receiving donations but will be closed from December 21 to January 3.
SYC/W6MA’s SW Pod Donation Hours:
- Wednesdays from 3-5pm
- Saturdays from 12pm-2pm
Neighbors in need are invited to visit once a month for provisions, including food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and access to the Clothing Closet.
Support SYC/W6MA’s Southwest Pod! We are in need of donations such as:
- Non-perishable foods like canned tuna, canned chicken, pasta, pasta sauce, soup, canned fruit, boxed milk, peanut butter, jelly, cooking oil, condiments, hot and cold cereal, Ensure, tea, coffee.
- Toiletries including toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, deodorant, feminine products, and Depends.
Monetary Donations: Contribute online at bit.ly/sycw6ma-donate. Your contributions enable us to secure food from the Capital Area Food Bank, effectively tripling the impact compared to purchasing from a store.
Want to Learn More? For further details, feel free to reach out to us at: swmutualaid@serveyourcitydc.org.