Over 200 Touched by MLK Day Outreach

Scores of people showed up January 19, 2009, at the Empowerment Center in Cambridge for a joint effort of the New Revived United Methodist Church and Pine Street Committee (PSC) to reach out to area residents in Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day by offering free food and clothing to everyone. It was estimated that approximately 250 people had received a hot meal by the end of the day.

Though the event occurred in a predominately African-American neighborhood of Cambridge, everyone was encouraged to attend.

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Above, from the left, Tamarion Williams, Nia White, Tanisha Jackson and Renee White enjoyed some of the soups and desserts that were offered.

“I think today has just been awesome. We are just having a good time with fellowship and enjoying each other. I’m excited about the turnout and I’m thrilled with all of the help we have received,” said the Reverend Jerome E. Tilghman, Pastor of New Revived.

He said this was a project of the New Revived’s Staff-Parish Relationships Committee (SPRC), “and not only them, but we have had many members of the church to come in and help us.

“We have just been blessed by the outpouring of food. Not only the SPRC, but all the members of the church have pitched in to make this day a blessing,” he said.

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From the left, Patricia McNamara, Venessa Meekins, and Etta McNamara of New Revived UMC were pleased to serve area residents who came out for the event.

“I think this is beautiful when we can fellowship with everybody, no matter who they are, and I enjoy that,” said Patricia McNamara of New Revived who had volunteered to serve the food. “I love people and enjoy having fellowship with them.”

“I think it is a good idea. It’s a wonderful event and I think it’s a good day for it,” said Linna Manokey, also of New Revived who, despite a knee problem, came out to the event for support.

Cambridge resident Harold L. Cooper said he had missed last year’s outreach, and was glad he could make it to Monday’s event. “I’m enjoying every bit of it. This was good for everybody,” he said.

Program director Octavene Saunders stated there had been a good turnout. “I know we had a long line from the front door to the back of the building. This has really been a good day and people have been steady coming in. It’s not just for one sex or one race,” she said.

“We gave out Barack Obama pencils that were donated by Mrs. Deborah Wooden. Our Chairman Jimmy Cornish was here to unpack clothes and hang them up. Dorchester Elks Lodge 223 surprised us with two great big pots of coffee,” she said.

“We want to mention Frances Gilbert, he is always helping us, and Joseph Saunders Sr., my husband. We not only raided his clothes closet but we had him up here working today,” Mrs. Saunders said, adding that she thanked all of the volunteers.

She continued, “We also want to thank the Eastern Shore Banner for supporting us in this community endeavor and for WBOC-TV for their coverage of the day’s activities.”

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Volunteers Bill Wyatt and Shirley Smith brought food to people within the city limits of Cambridge who could not make it out to the event.

Regarding the community outreach, PSC president James Cornish said, “This is something that is needed and we are going to try to continue to do this,” adding he would like to see some sort of outreach each month with at least a clothing give away.

Those interested in donating clothing should call (410) 228-2250. The PSC is also in need of plastic bags.

Please view additional pictures of this event.