Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist

Unitarian Universalists believe no individual is worth less as a human being because he does not have a job, a house, a car. That belief motivates members of Channing Memorial Church to give time and money in a variety of ways to meet needs in the Howard and Baltimore County communities.

Members collect holiday gifts and stuff stockings, pack Thanksgiving baskets, collect diapers, decorate baby clothes and make blankets to donate.

One member, Bill Shoemaker, lends a hand serving dinners at a local shelter for homeless men.

“It is its own reward. The guys come through and get their plates and thank me for my time,” Shoemaker says. He adds, “It feels like I’m fulfilling our first principle,” affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

The shelter where Shoemaker volunteers, the Westside Shelter, is operated by the Community Assistance Network of Baltimore County. The staff provides counseling and links to other resources for residents.

Channing members help support the shelter in several ways: money donations; contributions to the food pantry and packing brown bag lunches for shelter residents.

The congregation has a special collection each month for local service organizations and supports nonprofit organizations that help the needy, such as CROP Walk to fight hunger. Food has also been provided to local non-profit organizations sponsoring special events, such as parties for people the organizations serve.