an arts center turned into a food & supply distribution center
THE STORY
BlackRock Center for the Arts has long been the leading venue for performing arts in Upper Montgomery. Our mission has always been to provide access to exceptional arts for all.
However, last year, the world changed and so did our role in Upcounty Montgomery County. Stepping up as an anchor for our community we worked with several partners to create the Upcounty Consolidation Hub (The Hub).
In a matter of days, our award-winning Kay Gallery became home base for storing, sorting, packing, and delivering much-needed food, baby, and household supplies that now serve approximately 1,000 families every single week.
So, yes. The last year has brought with it significant challenges. But, as we learned, it also brought with it opportunities to grow and change. Most importantly, it gave us an opportunity to bring people and organizations together in the service of others during a crisis.
Therefore, we invite you to join us for our virtual One Year Anniversary of The Upcounty Hub. The evening will be a celebration of community, collaboration, and partnerships. Click below to purchase your tickets or become a sponsor!
“BlackRock has always had the support of so many people in upper Montgomery County. In these challenging and uncertain times, it's important that we step forward and give back to the community that generously supports us.”
- Lynn Andreas Arndt, CEO
THE WAYS
how you can give back through The Upcounty Hub @ BlackRock
SUPPORT
Knowing the economic impact of the virus on our community, BlackRock is making it easy for generous individuals, like you, to give what is in your heart.
We created several options for you to donate and give back to the community in which we serve.
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Make an Online Donation and select "Upcounty Hub" as your program of choice (step 3).
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Order from our Amazon Wish List (safe & easy delivery)
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Select BlackRock as charity of choice on Amazon Smile
DONATE
Please view our most current list of needed items or order from our Amazon List or select from our most needed items list below.
Donations Accepted
Monday - Friday | 9 AM - 4 PM
Donation Drop-Off
BlackRock in rear parking lot
12901 Town Commons Drive
Germantown, MD 20874
Drop-off Requirements
All persons must practice physical distancing and wear a mask when dropping off items.
To schedule bulk or large donations, please email hub@blackrockcenter.org.
VOLUNTEER
The Upcounty at BlackRock coordinates its volunteers through our valued, long-term partner
KindWorks.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Upcounty Hub at BlackRock, please contact KindWorks to get more information and sign-up.
SPECIAL DRIVE
Saturday, April 10 from 11 AM - 1 PM
William B. Gibbs Elementary School
Help us fill up our delivery van with much-needed personal hygiene and baby products this coming Saturday. Safely drive by with your donations or ship directly from our Amazon Wish List. Our Top 10 Most needed items are:
● Shampoo/Conditioner
● Razors/Shaving cream
● Diapers (Sizes 2-6)
● Adult Diapers (gender-neutral)
● Pull-Ups
● Honey (plastic bottles appreciated)
● Granola/ Cereal/ Snack bar assortment
● Assorted Canned Vegetables
● Canned Chicken
● Mini Fruit Cups Assortment
MOST NEEDED ITEMS
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Tea Bags (all flavors)
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Bottled Honey
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Shelf-stable Milk
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Individual Sweeteners
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Pedialyte
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Breakfast Cereal (all flavors)
HOUSEHOLD
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Gift Cards of Any Denomination (Target, Wal-Mart, Giant, Safeway, Visa)
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Paper Plates & Cups
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Individually Wrapped Plastic Fork, Knives, and Spoons
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Deoderant
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Shaving Cream
FOOD & DRINK
GET SUPPORT
The Upcounty Hub at BlackRock distributes food and essentials to families in the following ways.
DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
DRIVE-THROUGH FOOD & SUPPLY PICK-UP
HOME DELIVERIES
HOME DELIVERIES ARE MADE WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS
Receipients must be within service area. Zip codes currently being supported:
20841 * 20871 * 20872 * 20874 * 20876 * 20879 * 20886
THE WORD
what people are saying about The Upcounty Hub @ BlackRock
HOME DELIVERIES:
Households struggling with COVID, the elderly, the disabled, or those without transportation.
Tuesdays @ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursdays @ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday @ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
DRIVE-THROUGH DISTRIBUTIONS
Open to anyone in need.
Scheduled on Tues & Weds
See below for exact dates & locations
DO YOU OR YOUR FAMILY NEED SUPPORT?
Click here to contact us
Emai us at hub@blackrockcenter.org
Call us at 240.912.1077
Monday - Friday | 10 AM - 3 PM
Spanish Translation Available
Please note that the Upcounty Hub at BlackRock does not provide clothing, shelter, rental, or bill assistance. However, we can connect you to the right county resources if you are in need.
Montgomery County Council Proclamation
"BlackRock has stepped up to provide live-saving support to their community. The county is replicating the model at the Upcounty
Consolidation of Hub in other areas. Your work will go down in history in terms of what has been done for your community and beyond.”
- Councilmember Nancy Navarro
Sharing the Story of the Upcounty Hub
"That reality of taking this idea of a regional hub and making it the spoke to where it's actually now sending out to all the areas that need it. It... It's a tremendous response to the need that we are seeing in our communities."
- Councilmember Craig Rice
Additional Media
who helps make The Upcounty Hub @ BlackRock possible
THE PARTNERS
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
The Upcounty Consolidation Hub is made possible through our strong partnerships that span across public, private, and non-profit sectors. It is through these partnerships and their generous donations of money, items, and effort that we are able to sustain and support food and supply delivery to approximately 1,000 families every single week. Thank you for all you do in our community and beyond!
