Community Partners - Calvary United Methodist Church
Calvary United Methodist Support for "Change the World Day" - October 2012
Food Link welcomed volunteers from Calvary United Methodist on Friday, October 19th who came to give baby supplies for the Emergency Baby Pantry. Over $2,000.00 in baby clothing, formula and diapers were brought by volunteers who also gave their time by sorting and organizing the supplies. All of the d items were collected by the United Methodist Women through their monthly circle meetings by having a baby shower for Food Link. Members of the congregation also came to the produce program and helped distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to individuals and families in need. Food Link is so thankful for the support and effort led by Marge Bechert and the members of Calvary United Methodist Church. It is because of their dedication to Food Link we are able to help so many families in crisis.
2011 - As part of the Baltimore Washington "Change the World" Conference, volunteers from the Calvary United Methodist Church participated in community service activities. Member of two different women's groups from the church held baby showers, instead of their monthly meetings, to collect items for Food Link's Emergency Baby Pantry.
Volunteers arrived at the Emergency Baby Pantry on Riva Road, which is one of five pantries in the area, with arms full of new baby clothes, blankets, diapers and baby toys. They spent the morning organizing over $1000 worth of clothing and supplies that were collected at the Baby Showers.
Marge Bechert (pictured below) has volunteered with Food Link's Emergency Baby Pantry since 1995. According to Irenee McElwee, Food Link's new Emergency Baby Pantry Coordinator, "Calvary was the first church to support the baby pantries. These volunteer efforts will allow all five Emergency Baby Pantries to receive and distribute supplies and clothing to those in need in our community." Food Link responds to ever-increasing requests from hospitals, caseworkers, churches, individuals and support agencies to meet the urgent needs of babies suffering from poverty, domestic violence, teen pregnancies and unexpected family crises.
At the same time the baby pantry items were being delivered, three other volunteers were on hand at the Wholesale Produce on Riva Road, assisting Food Link with the distribution of food and clothing. Food Link distributes fresh fruits and vegetables for free at the Riva Farmers Market each Friday morning to our neighbors in need. The product is d by the Maryland State Wholesale Market and other produce is provided through Mid-Atlantic Gleaning Network. The program is open every week except holidays, weather permitting. The benefits of healthy eating help against the onset of cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases and a host of other conditions that lock the underprivileged into a cycle of dependency.
