Dear Takoma Park and Silver Spring families and friends,
What a wonderful day we shared at our 3rd annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch last week. Thank you to everyone who joined us for food, conversation, and community. If you couldn’t make it this time, we hope to see you at the next one.
Every month, it takes about 140 volunteers to move mountains—360 boxes of pantry staples, another 360 boxes of fresh produce, and 360 boxes of wellness items into the cars and arms of our neighbors. Those shelf stable food boxes alone weigh about 23 pounds each, which adds up to 8,280 pounds. Wow!
Some of you wake up before dawn to lift and distribute, or to manage traffic. Others help midweek by filling your own cars with cases of toilet paper, deodorant, and other essentials. Others set up for packing or to pack boxes assembly-line style. You all show up with heart and grit. Individually, you are wonderful and amazing; together, you are a force for good.
We’d throw you a party every week if we could, but we also know you don’t do this for the party. You do it for your neighbors. Thank you for the care you put into every box and every interaction. I’m grateful for each of you and look forward to working alongside many of you again very soon.
With gratitude,
Adrienne Tilton
Vice President, Tommy’s Pantr
Upcoming Events and Updates
As Joe Newman graduates from high school and prepares to attend the University of Chicago this fall, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for his service as Tommy’s Pantry’s Student Board Member. Joe has brought dedication, compassion and thoughtful youth perspective to our Board, helping strengthen our connection with the next generation of community leaders. While we will miss Joe, we are so excited to see all that he will accomplish. Please join us in thanking Joe for his service and wishing him every success, happiness, and adventure as he begins his college journey!
Join us in warmly welcoming Cherie Rosenblum as Tommy’s Pantry’s newest Board Member and Treasurer. Some of you may already know Cherie through her involvement as a volunteer and donor, and we are thrilled to have her take on this leadership role. In her professional life, Cherie serves as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at CNA, a nonprofit research organization focused on national and global security. She has spent her career dedicated to public service and as a mother of three and former nonprofit treasurer, she brings valuable leadership, financial stewardship, and a deep commitment to supporting families and strengthening our community through Tommy’s Pantry’s mission to address food insecurity.
Volunteer Spotlights
This month, we are proud to spotlight Grace Studios, a dedicated group who regularly join us on packing days. Grace Studios is a Silver Spring yoga and wellness community dedicated to helping people find grace through movement, presence, and connection. Since 2023, Grace Studios has partnered with Tommy’s Pantry through its “Seva Saturdays,” Seva is the yogic Sanskrit term meaning “selfless service.” This brings volunteers together in the spirit of selfless service and community care.
What keeps Grace Studios coming back is a shared commitment to dignity, connection, and ensuring that everyone has access to essential needs. Whether packing food boxes, supervising shifts, or sharing laughter while volunteering together, the Grace Studios community embodies the same values of compassion and service that guide their work both on and off the mat. We’re grateful for their partnership and the positive energy they bring to Tommy’s Pantry throughout the year! If you would like to explore their classes and community-centered approach to wellness please visit their website.
Volunteer Updates
- To register for an upcoming volunteer opportunity, please visit our sign up page. Available dates are updated monthly. SSL hours are available for students.
- Many thanks to First Congregational United Church of Christ for sharing their time with Tommy’s Pantry!
- Planning a group activity? Consider Tommy’s Pantry. We schedule group volunteer sessions 1-2 months in advance. Email us at tommyspantry@gmail.com to choose a date.
Fundraising Corner
- Become a Monthly Donor – Please consider Monthly Giving. It’s not just that monthly gifts make a big monetary impact (though they do!), but for Tommy’s Pantry especially, monthly gifts help with planning and budgeting in a way that has a direct impact on our income stream making it easier for us to know how much money we can count on each month. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/monthly-giving-10.
- Donations Always Accepted – Tommy’s Pantry is 100% volunteer run, and our budget can always use a boost. Your financial support is crucial to keeping food and wellness boxes flowing into the hands of those in need, https://tommyspantry.org/donate/.
Receive Assistance with Food & Wellness Items
- Shelf-stable food distribution: Food boxes will be offered on the morning of Saturday, July 18th. Boxes are distributed in order of arrival while supplies last. The drive-up distribution location is at the back of Church of the Ascension, across the street from East Silver Spring Elementary School (630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD). If you plan to walk up, please email tommyspantry@gmail.com in advance.
- Family health/wellness and cleaning supplies distribution: Join us on the morning of Saturday, July 4th . Boxes are distributed in order of arrival while supplies last. The drive-up distribution location is at the back of Church of the Ascension, across the street from East Silver Spring Elementary School (630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD). If you plan to walk up, please email tommyspantry@gmail.com in advance.
Our On-Site Little Free Pantry Needs Some Love
- Our Little Free Pantry at 630 Silver Spring Ave is heavily used and rapidly depleted. Please consider bringing some extra pasta, cereal, soup, and/or toiletries that you may have at home to help keep our 24-hour pantry stocked. Thank you!
Tommy’s Pantry News & Social Media
- Stay connected with us on social media! You can follow us on Instagram (@tommyspantrytkpk), and like our Tommy’s Pantry Facebook page.
- For even more information, photos from our packing and distribution events, and Spanish and Amharic translations of this newsletter, visit the News page on our website.
- Want to get this newsletter sent to your inbox? Email tommyspantry@gmail.com.
Community Resources & Your Rights
- Know Your Rights: Please visit the Know Your Rights page at https://tommyspantry.org/know-your-rights for multilingual resources regarding your rights and safety planning to protect yourselves and loved ones.
- FREE Ride On bus rates: $0 fares are now in effect for all passengers on all Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash Buses in Montgomery County. For information, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-transit/fares/.
- 50% off WMATA fares: WMATA’s Metro Lift program offers 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips for DC, Maryland, and Virginia customers enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). For more information in multiple languages, and to enroll, visit https://www.wmata.com/fares/Reduced-Fare-Programs/MetroLift/index.cfm.
- FREE and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS) for MoCo students 18 and younger. For the 2025-2026 school year, complete the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) form if you have previously, or believe you qualify for free or reduced meals. If your family qualifies for any level of FARMS support, all meals are free. Only 1 application is required per household. Apply online at https://www.myschoolapps.com.
Thank you for your continued support of this vital community initiative.
Tommy’s Pantry collaborates with PTA leaders, school counselors, administration and ESOL teachers from each of our schools, Blair school counselors, the City of Takoma Park, and county social workers. With the help of all of these people and organizations, we have quick and direct contact with families who need help. Rest assured that we are reaching far into the community – all across Takoma Park and the folks from the East Silver Spring neighborhood.