Latest News

We are always grateful for the friends we have at GMC, but we are especially grateful during the winter months and holiday season, when our neighbors help make the holiday season a special one for our members. Thank you to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown, who every year makes GMC one of the recipients of its Holiday Giving Tree

Another shout out goes to Maggie Handel, who has been such an avid supporter of GMC. She organized a sock drive for us and lovingly wrapped over 100 pairs of socks for her and her niece to distribute on Christmas Day. She also provided a delicious brunch for everyone on Christmas. That’s not all! For the six ladies who regularly participate in our knitting group, she put together “cold weather survival kits.”

Gifts for the Homeless, which is a wholly volunteer-run organization that annually organized a huge clothing and donation drive for over 70 shelters, also helped make this holiday season a warm one by donating lots of cold weather essentials.

And then there are our many volunteers and friends who have helped us in many different ways, from providing food for our holiday party or on Christmas Eve (thanks, Peggy, Pat, and Anne!) or volunteering on the 24th and 25th (looking at you, Anna, Amy, and Nadeeda!). And if I’ve neglected to mention you, please know that you are included in this thanks (and let me know so I can properly acknowledge you).

Have a wonderful, safe, and happy new year!

On Sunday, December 16, GMC members were treated the results of a Beef Stew Challenge organized again by the wonderful Maggie Handel. Like the Sloppy Joe Challenge she put together last month, Maggie posted on the Georgetown listserv and asked her network of friends and neighbors for help.

A huge THANK YOU to Maggie for organizing the lunch and to everyone who helped cook and serve: Carol, Clarisa, and Linh for the home-cooked hot meal and Amanda & Megan for their service with a smile.

The next hot meal challenge that Maggie is organizing is scheduled for January 27. Stay tuned!

On the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown catered Thanksgiving dinner for Georgetown Ministry Center members, which we held at Grace Church. What a treat! Turkey, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy, butternut squash soup, and several types of pie… our members left happy and full. I asked everyone what their favorite part of the meal was, and almost everyone answered that is was the butternut squash soup! If you get the chance, stop by the Ritz and try some. It is truly delicious!

Our Winter 2012 Newsletter is out! We hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it and to remember this holiday season all of the wonderful work Georgetown Ministry Center does to help those on the street.

You can give a gift to GMC by either sending a check (please enclose this response card if you can) or online through PayPal.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter!

Last Tuesday, ER Nurse Jessica Cook came to the Center and gave a presentation on foot care and trench foot, a disorder not uncommon to homeless people.  She stressed the importance of letting one’s feet breathe and changing into dry socks after spending time in the elements. Afterwards, Jessica check blood pressure and glucose levels for those who wanted the service. Jessica plans on coming back often to provide health talks and basic health screenings.

Last Wednesday, MPD officers Antonial Atkins and Roberto Corchado came to talk about personal safety, public awareness, and working together with all segments of the community to reduce street crimes.