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More than 30 volunteers pitched in Friday, Aug. 11, to help First Baptist D.C. collect and deliver food to fill the pantry at Charlie’s Place, a partner in caring for people in the Dupont Circle area.
The work began at 5 a.m. in front of the Giant grocery store on Wisconsin Ave., just north of the National Cathedral. By 6:30 p.m., volunteers had collected 3,006 pounds of nonperishable food and filled 70 boxes for delivery to Charlie’s Place.
Charlie’s Place was founded in 1990 as a non-denominational, anti-hunger, homeless ministry of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church on Connecticut Avenue at T Street NW.
The event was the sixth and final food drive hosted this summer by WUSA9 to address food insecurity in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Charlie's Place in DC | Giving Matters | wusa9.com
Channel 9 cameras and reporters covered the event throughout the day, airing three interviews with Pastor Julie Pennington-Russell, including an interview with Chief Meteorologist Topper Shutt during the 6 p.m. newscast.
The importance of the work was underscored in an email from Marie Graves, Director of Development for Charlie’s Place:
Dear First Baptist Family, with a special thanks to Julie and Eric,
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to First Baptist Church for the outstanding effort put forth in organizing the fundraising event for Charlie's Place Food Pantry. Your dedication and commitment to this cause have made a significant impact on our community, and I wanted to take a moment to express our sincere thanks.
The generosity and kindness displayed by the members of First Baptist Church have touched not only the lives of those directly involved with Charlie's Place but also the countless individuals and families who have come to rely on the food pantry's services. Your willingness to come together and support such a noble cause reflects the true spirit of compassion and community.
The food raised through the event will undoubtedly go a long way in ensuring that Charlie's Place can continue its essential work of providing nourishment and support for those in need. In times of uncertainty, your contribution provides not only sustenance but also hope and solace to those facing challenging circumstances.
Your efforts inspire us all to do more for our community, reminding us that a small group of thoughtful and committed individuals can indeed create significant positive change. The collaboration between First Baptist Church and Charlie's Place exemplifies the power of unity, empathy, and the willingness to make a difference.
