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Columbia Inspired

Come Celebrate at Festive Fridays

Dec 13, 2022 08:47AM ● By Columbia Association
Stephen Cherry Photography 
Columbia Association (CA) and the Downtown Columbia Partnership (DTC) are celebrating new collaborations that will support both local businesses and non-profit organizations at this year’s Festive Friday events. In particular, everyone who attends is asked to bring a hygiene product and/or a community pantry item to benefit Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. 

“We know a number of people in our community are looking for ways to give back during the holiday season, and we know there are families in Columbia and Howard County who are underserved,” CA Community Engagement Manager Robin Stimson said. “It can be important to ask those directly serving people in need what those needs actually are. CA is proud to host this donation drive and hope everyone who comes out to the event is able to help.”

“Essentials like toothpaste, deodorant or body wash are the most popular donation items, but they are vital to the families we serve,” Grassroots Volunteer & In-Kind Donations Coordinator Monteith Mitchell said. “Spreading awareness that toys and warm clothes aren’t the only things needed this time of year is an important step, and we appreciate CA and Downtown Columbia Partnership for providing an opportunity for people to come out, enjoy and give back.”

 Some of the most needed items include:

  • Body lotion (full-size)
  • Body wash (full-size)
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes (individually packaged)
  • Razors
  • Baby wipes
  • Campbell’s Chunky soup (pop-top or microwavable, ready to eat)
  • Progresso soup (ready to eat)
  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
  • Chef Boyardee Ravioli or spaghetti (pop-top or microwavable meals)
  • Dinty Moore Beef Stew (pop-top or microwavable meal)
  • Hormel Compleats meals
  • Macaroni & cheese cups (microwavable, ready to eat)
  • Ramen Noodles
Along with the donation drive, CA and DTC are working with The 3rd, The Collective, Cured/18th & 21st and Whole Foods to provide festive food and drinks, like s’mores and hot chocolate.

“We work best when we work together,” Downtown Columbia Partnership Executive Director Phillip Dodge said. “By collaborating with this wide array of local partners, we are able to bring an even better experience to the families who attend Festive Friday or any other event in Columbia. That’s what it’s all about - partnerships that help all of us best serve the community.”

Stephen Cherry Photography 
The 3rd is a non-profit women of color entrepreneur co-op that just recently opened a location on the Lakefront. The Collective is the new ownership of the former Clyde’s and The Soundry spaces, which will be opening as Offshore and Encore in the coming months. Cured 18th/21st is a longstanding restaurant in the Downtown Columbia area that has contributed its flavor to the Lakefront for numerous events. Whole Foods is located right next to the Lakefront.

The annual Festive Friday events take place rain or shine from 5:30-8pm on Friday, December 9, and Friday, December 16, at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. These events are free and open to anyone who’d like to attend (registration is encouraged). There will be firepits and s’mores kits available for purchase, as well as holiday crafts, snacks, ice sculptors and a photo booth. Plus, local high school choirs are scheduled to perform.

“Festive Friday is all about community, and we hope everyone joins us to get into the holiday spirit!” Stimson said.

 

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