Even though I blog here for the purpose of telling the world about me, my books and other writing, I’m more than just a fiction author and screenwriter (not to mention aspiring filmmaker). I’m also a Howard County blogger. Howard County, Maryland, to be specific. That’s why I asked to have my blog listed on HoCoBlogs. Hey, I’m in Howard County and I blog. Why not?
As a resident, I’ve been overwhelmed by the news of the disastrous flood that recently hit Ellicott City, the little town where I used to have a law office.
I’ve also been amazed and heartened by the outpouring of support I’ve seen in my emails, in the news and on social media.
As a citizen and a Howard County resident, I feel the need to do something to help. I figure part of what I can do is help spread the word about disaster relief efforts beyond the confines of my own county and state.
Toward that end, I’m listing the following resources to which people may give.
These are provided by The Howard County government and #ECSTRONG.
How to donate
We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of donations coming in every day this past week. While we are so grateful, our support agencies no longer have the capacity to accept, store or distribute physical donations. From this point forward, if you wish to donate, please do so monetarily through one of the following organizations:
Ellicott City Partnership
www.HelpEllicottCity.com
Community Action Council of Howard County
www.cac-hc.org
United Way
www.uwcm.org/ecstrong
While there are certainly other legitimate organizations accepting monetary donations, using one of the above three avenues guarantees your donations will get where you intend.
How to volunteer
The County’s #ECStrong Volunteer Reception Center will relocate from the Walmart parking lot on Ridge Road to the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) located at the Ellicott City 50+ Center (9401 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042). The Volunteer Reception Center will be closed through Friday and will reopen on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers must bring a photo I.D. and can register in person at the Volunteer Reception Center or online. Questions? Call 410-313-2900.
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And from the Maryland Office of Tourism:
On July 30, powerful storms led to a flash flood that devastated Historic Ellicott City. Perhaps you’ve seen the images, but what they fail to capture is the strength of this Maryland community. From the people who linked arms and braved the torrent to save a stranded motorist, to the first responders who helped others, to the residents and businesses that are working to rebuild, it is clear that they have earned the title, “Ellicott City Strong.”
State and county efforts to assist in the rebuilding are underway, and many generous citizens and businesses are already lending a hand, but donations and moral support are still needed. While the town is not yet ready for on-site volunteers, below is a list of charitable organizations that have been supporting the community as well as benefit events. This list will be growing, so please bookmark this page and check back for regular updates.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Visit Howard County has shared that the following organizations are already actively supporting historic Elliott City.
Preservation Maryland’s Emergency Flood Recover Fund
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will have staff available at the #ECStrong Volunteer Reception Center, located in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter at 3200 North Ridge Road in Ellicott City, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Find more information online athttps://www.howardcountymd.gov/ECStrong-Recovery-Resources.
FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS
The Howard County Arts Council is establishing Re-create: Ellicott City Artist Relief Fund to aid to the many artists with studios and galleries in Ellicott City who suffered substantial losses of artwork and studio space. They will be extending their current exhibit, Paint It! Ellicott City 2016, until the end of September with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this work donated to the fund. Several Paint It! artists have already generously agreed to donate 100 percent of their sales to help the relief effort. The Arts Council is also accepting individual donations to Re-create.
Neighboring Sykesville is ready when the call for volunteers does arise. Check out their Facebook event to see what they’re planning as things unfold.
A La Mode Boutique is selling “Hope” and “Believe” bracelets for the Ellicott City recovery efforts. 10 percent of all bracelet sales will go to the Ellicott City Partnership and the rest will go to help them rebuild their Main Street shop.
Twist and Turn Tavern in Fulton will be taking donations on Aug 19 during a live classic rock show by Out of Order.
On Aug 27, Victoria Gastro Pub is holding the #ECStrong Beer Challenge Festival from noon to 4 pm to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership. 150 tickets are available and Manor Hill Tavern and Land Design & Development will also match, dollar for dollar, each ticket sold. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Ellicott City Partnership. Attendees will receive a commemorative glass, beer tastings and passed hor d’oeuvres.
Dimitri’s International Grill, “The Dig” is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, Aug 27 with prizes, 50/50 raffle, guest bartenders, happy hour all night and live music!
EVLUTN Apparel is a Howard County-based clothing company. They are lending a hand by creating custom
t-shirts that pay homage to the history of Ellicott City. All proceeds from the online sales will help community members in need.
Through August 14, Olney Roots Market will donate $2 from every Manor Hill 6 pack of beer sold to the Ellicott City Partnership.
The National Center for Citizen Safety is donating $10 from every 5K registration (starting August 5). Make sure to put “ECSTRONG” in the comment section of the registration form.
Dock Street is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Ellicott Mills Brewing Company with guest bartenders Timmy Kenzki (from Ellicott Mills) and Annapolis’ own JB Jaeger. This event will raise money to provide relief for the EMBC staff who are indefinitely out of work as the damage to Ellicott Mills Brewing Company is repaired.
An Etsy shop has created an Ellicott City “Hope is Higher Than Water” sticker and profits will go toward the relief fund. Find it here.
Etsy store ‘An Adventure Awaits’ is selling a custom greeting card made for Ellicott City and is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from card sales to the small businesses affected by the flood damage.
The Catonsville Chamber of Commerce will be seeking donations for Ellicott City’s flood relief efforts during their next four Frederick Road Friday concerts, the Arts & Crafts Festival on September 11 and the Chamber’s Crab Feast on September 30. The Chamber has also partnered with EmbroidMe Catonsville to produce a t-shirt, these shirts will be given to each person who makes a donation of $10 to the fundraising effort.
Eighty percent of the proceeds from sales of this Ellicott City art print will go to the Ellicott City Partnership or be donated to the GoFundMe efforts of individual businesses affected by the flooding.
MaGerk’s Pub is hosting a family friendly happy hour on Tuesday, August 9 from 6 – 9p.m. to benefit Ellicott City. $10 at the door gets you a light buffet and Flying Dog beer, as well as drink specials (all proceeds go to the Ellicott City Partnership). There will be a 50/50 raffle, raffle prizes and custom swag for sale too.
Car Wash Fundraiser hosted by the teachers at The Young School on Tamar Drive. All proceeds go to the Ellicott City Partnership. August 13 from 9a.m. – 12p.m. (Rain date August 14)
1304 Photos is selling select 11×14 prints of the devastation caused by the flash flood for $40, 100 percent of the sales will be donated to help store owners rebuild their businesses.
The Korean Society of Maryland and Howard County Korean Society has started a fundraiser to support residents, business owners and property owners impacted by the flooding.
100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of this t-shirt will go towards replacing the iconic Ellicott City clock.
Take part in the #ECSTRONG virtual run on Sunday, September 4. All proceeds from the entry fee will be donated to the EC Partnership to help these businesses and residents rebuild.
LaLaRoe fundraiser for Ellicott City on August 9 & 10.
Vedic Spa is hosting a fundraiser for Ellicott City on Friday, August 19 from 4-7:30 p.m.
Thursday August 11 is Ellicott City Benefit Day at The Corner Stable. A portion of the days sales will be donated to ECP & Preservation MD to help re-build and support Ellicott City. They’ll have Black Flag Brewing beer on tap – with 100 percent of sales to be donated.
Staub Art Studio Ellicott City Fundraiser is Sunday, September 18 from 1-4 p.m. Under the direction of Maria & George Goebel, students will complete a 9″x12″ pen & ink drawing with watercolor washes of their favorite Ellicott City scene. No previous art experience needed.
All proceeds from the the 98Rock I Heart EC t-shirt will go to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership.
100 percent of the proceeds from this ECSTRONG t-shirt will be donated to the Ellicott City Partnership.
On August 19, Player’s Bar & Grill will donate 20 percent of all food and drink sales to the Ellicott City Partnership. Stop by from 7 – 11 p.m. to catch some live music by Dave DeMarco Band.
Kelsey’s Irish Pub will donate 10 percent of all sales on Tuesday, August 9 to the Ellicott City Partnership. From 5 – 9 p.m. there will be a silent auction, raffles and food & drink specials all day.
100 percent of sales from this Etsy shop will go to support Ellicott City for the next two months (starting August 5).
Woofbooks will donate a portion of sales in September to the Ellicott City recovery efforts.
Maryland My Maryland is selling t-shirts to benefit the Ellicott City Partnership’s relief efforts.
The Artists’ Gallery in Columbia is donating part of the proceeds from the August show to the Ellicott City Partnership. The show, which runs through Sept 2, is called “Ellicott City Flood Relief Fundraiser.”
Luna Bella Ristorante in Columbia is matching 100 percent of cash donations given at the restaurant to benefit the Ellicott City recovery efforts.
INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS EFFORTS
If you’re looking for a way to support your favorite Main Street business, these Go Fund Me pages have been set up on their behalf.
Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, Johnny’s Bistro, Cacao Lane, Phoenix Emporium, Cunningham Studios
Tersiguel’s, Sweet Elizabeth Jane, Bean Hollow, Rumor Mill, All Time Toys, Craig Coyne Jewelers, Discoveries
Journey from Junk, The Rumor Mill, Portallis, Little French Market, The Clayground, The Judge’s Bench
Horsespirit Arts, Still Life Gallery, Pure Wine Cafe, A La Mode Boutique, Time Warp Media, Tea on the Tiber
Thank you for your support. More events and opportunities are being planned, so please bookmark this page and comeback for regular updates.
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My own small contribution is described in this week’s vlog:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, we tend to get numbed by violence and disasters, you made it personal. I saw all the links above, where do you want me to donate?
Your choice entirely! 🙂 I have no preference.