John S. Mulholland’s 7th Annual “Summer in the City” campaign has already begun very strongly and continues through the summer. During that time, we’ll visit more than 30 churches throughout the region, collecting canned and other non-perishable food for our pantries in the District. Last year, we collected more than 83,000 cans.
We are the only organization to conduct a summer food drive of this magnitude and we do so with scores of volunteers, thousands of donors, and support from Catholic Charities DC (@CCADW). Hunger doesn’t take a vacation, and, as Dr. King said, we are employing “the fierce urgency of now.”
We’ve already received donations from Elizabeth Seton High School (3,500+), St. Peter’s Olney (6,300) and Chloe Irwin’s 7th Grade Class (4,300)
Many thanks to everyone participating:
IN THE DISTRICT:
Holy Rosary; Epiphany Georgetown; St. Stephen Martyr; Immaculate Conception; Blessed Sacrament; St. Augustine; Cathedral of St. Matthew Apostle; St. Ann; St. Gabriel; Our Lady of Victory; Annunciation; St. Mary Mother of God; St. Thomas Apostle.
IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY:
St. Jerome; St. Nicholas; St. Matthias;Elizabeth Seton High School.
IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY:
St. Peter Olney; Our Lady of Mercy; St. Mary Barnesville; St. Mary Rockville; Resurrection; Our Lady of Grace; St. Francis Assisi; St. Raphael; Our Lady of Lourdes; St. Paul Damascus; St. Bartholomew; Holy Cross Garrett Park; St. Bernadette; St. Patrick Norbeck; St. John Neumann.
As you can imagine, we are facing a bigger challenge than ever this year. Currently, the churches are not open. It is difficult to purchase in bulk. And the need has increased as newly-unemployed and furloughed workers have now begun requesting help. “
So, until the “all clear” comes from the Mayor and Governor, we are doing Drive By — Drop Off at each location, with special dates and hours, arranged regionally in quadrants. So, if you live in Upper Northwest, for instance, there will be four different locations to drop off food over the course of a weekend, so you are certain to find one that works for you. All of these locations will practice social distancing, and all of our volunteers will wear masks and gloves.
Alternately, if you cannot do that because you have successfully escaped the Washington region, or if you are a supporter outside the Washington area, you can make a monetary donation at jsmff.org/donate. Those funds are used for our Signature Program of fresh produce, milk and eggs, meat and poultry.
On behalf of all the families who are counting on us this summer, Many thanks in advance to all who will make our 7th Annual #SummerInTheCity a great success.