The staff at Our Daily Bread Employment Center has learned to scan the hundreds of guests who walk through their doors every day for tell-tale signs of struggle. Without prying, staff members recognize those who may just be stopping through one time, those who could benefit from the center’s on-site housing or job supports, and those who are just getting by.
A few days before Christmas, the center will invite 100 of its most vulnerable male clients to a festive holiday meal and outfit each with the new clothing and essentials needed to survive Maryland’s cold winter days. An annual tradition at Our Daily Bread Employment Center, the “100-Man Party” has become a powerful way to support those who need an extra hand.
“We get to know our clients because they come so often,” said Nick Rudomin, the center’s volunteer manager. “There are a lot of [signs] of people who have good stability. We’re look for folks who are not necessarily hitting that stride at this time.”
Women, of course, also receive services and additional support at Our Daily Bread Employment Center’s client services offices.
The value of something new
At the Dec. 21 event, the men will receive a package of brand new clothing – including, underwear, flannel shirts, scarves, hats, and gloves – and large-sized toiletries.
“A lot of people will give their hand-me-downs. Getting new clothes means they are only yours. People are very thankful for that,” Rudomin explained.
The party depends on outside donations, and Rudomin is particularly looking for new flannel shirts (sizes medium through 3x) and underwear (tops and bottoms, also sizes medium through 3x). For more information about how to give, please contact Nick Rudomin directly at nrudomin@cc-md.org or 667-600-3409.
More ways to show the spirit of the season
The 100-Man Party is just one example of the ways Catholic Charities programs mark the holidays. For other ways to support this work at this time of year, please see the list below.
Season of Wonder
www.seasonofwonder.com
- support a child
- support a family
- support a program through item donation or volunteering
My Sister’s Place Women’s Center and My Sister’s Place Lodge
jmartin@cc-md.org
667-600-3702
- sort/assemble gift bags Tuesday & Thursday afternoons through Dec. 17
- contribute/organize donation drive for wish list items
- send holiday greetings
- adopt a family
Anna’s House
jcrosson@cc-md.org
667-600-2843
- Dec. 21: volunteer for Breakfast with Santa
Gallagher Services
jleuschner@cc-md.org
667-600-2544
- support adults in the celebration of their choosing
- adopt a family
- decorate a Gallagher Services home
- host a donation drive for hats, gloves and scarves
- invite supported adults and their support staff to local events to help expand community connection
St. Vincent’s Villa and Villa Maria School
mbusko@cc-md.org
667-600-3006
- Dec. 7 – deck the halls
- Dec. 12 – volunteer at Villa Maria School Winter Festival
- Dec. 20 & 21 – wrap gifts for St. Vincent’s Villa children
- Jan. 4 – undeck the halls
St. Ann Adult Day Services
cmelton@cc-md.org
667-600-2681
- Dec. 4 & 18 – shopping excursions with seniors (volunteer)
- Dec. 19 – Christmas karaoke (volunteer)
- Dec. 23 – Christmas bingo (volunteer or donate gifts/prizes)
- Dec. 24 – Christmas party (volunteer or donate gifts/prizes)
- Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve party (volunteer or donate gifts/prizes)
Sarah’s House
kphilliben@cc-md.org
667-600-3560
- decorate dining room and/or Christmas tree
- provide meal/snacks
- drop off toys or other needed items