Greater Washington Coalition for Jewish Life

Washington Council of Congregations (WCOC) “Drive-Thru Food Drive”

When

August 22, 2020    
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Washington Religious Congregations Hold Food Drive

 
The Washington Council of Congregations (WCOC) will hold its third “Drive-Thru Food Drive” on Saturday, August 22nd, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the First Congregational Church of Washington (on the Green, across from the Gunn Library). Donors are asked to remain in their cars while volunteers (wearing gloves and masks) remove contributions from  their vehicle backseats or trunks.  Donated items should include shelf-stable food (in boxes and cans, unexpired please), personal care and household cleaning items.  Monetary donations (checks and cash) will also be welcome. Checks should be made payable to the Greater Washington Coalition for Jewish Life, the organizer of this month’s food drive on behalf of WCOC.  All proceeds will benefit the Washington-Warren and New Milford Food Banks.  The food banks have experienced an increase in need since the spread of Covid-19.  The WCOC encourages our community to give generously to help our neighbors in need.

The Council consists of the seven established religious congregations in the Town of Washington, who are working together for the benefit of the community.  They include the First Congregational Church of Washington, the Greater Washington Coalition for Jewish Life, New Preston Congregational Church, the Roman Catholic Church of our Lady of Perpetual Hope, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Salem Covenant Church.  One congregation takes the lead with the food drive each month, but all are encouraged to provide volunteers to help. If you want to volunteer to help on August 22, please contact Ilene Leff at ileneleff@gmail.com.

In addition to the “Drive-Thru Food Drives,” the WCOC has undertaken other projects since its formation this spring:

  • Fresh produce collection at the weekly Saturday farmers market at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in Washington Depot:  Generous shoppers and farmers alike donate produce, other market products and money to be crafted into healthy meals for those in need by the Community Culinary Institute of Northwest CT.  The WCOC has a representative on site each Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM to receive and deliver donations.
  • Blood drives:  The WCOC will be hosting the Red Cross blood drives at St. John’s Episcopal Church, to support our local hospitals in this time of pandemic.  Watch for more details.
  • Information: The members of the Council have also agreed to pass on information to their congregants about other efforts in our Community, like those of the Judea Garden, Camp Washington’s meals for the poor, and the Literacy Volunteers on the Green in New Milford. The goal is to break down the parochial walls that often divide us and keep us from working together for the common good.

For more information about the Washington Council of Congregations and how you can get involved, please contact the office of any of the member churches.