Our Lady Help of Christians Community Outreach Committee is responsible for providing aid and comfort to the needy and homeless in the Waldorf area in the following ways:
Annual Coat Drive – conducts a collection of new and used children and adult coats, scarves, gloves and boots which are then distributed thru the Children’s Aid Society and Catholic Charities
Shepherd’s Table – the third Thursday of each month an evening meal is prepared and provided to approximately 95 homeless and needy adults and children. The meal consists of salad, main entrée accompanied with various items, beverages and dessert. Upon leaving each individual is given a snack bag which is valued at $10. Quarterly a nurse’s station is set-up to check blood pressure, etc. of those attending and during the Christmas meal music and songs are performed by a choral group from the parish. For more information on volunteering follow this link: Soup Kitchen / Shepherd's Table
Holiday Baskets – during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons holiday baskets are distributed to fifty needy families in the local area. Certain items are donated by the parishioners while the majority of canned goods and other non-perishable items are purchased at the local supermarkets. Perishable items are purchased thru SHARE and vary with each holiday. All baskets are delivered to the requestors by parish volunteers. For more information on volunteering follow this link: Holiday Food Baskets
Sharing Sunday – conducted the first weekend of each month at all Masses where parishioners donate non-perishable food items and toiletries. The food items are distributed to the local food pantries and the toiletries are donated to Angel’s Watch shelter for abused women and children.
Christmas in April – a Charles County wide endeavor conducted the last Saturday of April each year. No more than twenty houses are selected, by a committee, to be refurbished by both skilled and non-skilled individuals of various disciplines in order to upgrade the residence to a livable domicile. The parish provides between 90-120 volunteers each year along with a substantial donation provided by the parishioners. For more information on volunteering follow this link: Christmas in April
SHARE – conducted one Saturday each month. Orders are taken from those requesting the various items which are provided at a minimal cost. The orders consist of a sufficient amount of food items to provide 3-4 substantial meals. The committee provides the transportation of picking-up the orders and delivering them to the parish social hall distribution. Fifty additional meals are ordered and paid for by Community Outreach to be added to the holiday baskets.
Safe Nights – a program sponsored by a private county organization which provides shelter for the homeless at specific locations between October and April for a time period of one week, The committee partners-up with a non-Catholic denomination and provides breakfast and dinner along with a snack bag at various times during the week. In addition, volunteers provide home laundry service for the washing of bed linen and towels.
The Outreach Committee meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Coordinator - Frank Soloninka
301-645-6360