July 2026 Newsletter

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Our youth volunteers from Lumina, packed backpacks filled with school supplies for local children. See Fundraising Corner for details. 

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

You may have noticed a new feature in our newsletter, the Volunteer Spotlight. As you know, Tommy’s Pantry is an entirely volunteer run non-profit. Without the dedication of approximately 36 volunteers per week, we would not be able to pack and distribute 720 boxes of food and health and wellness items each and every month. We have a long list of volunteers to feature in the coming months, so please take a moment to note these incredible people. 

This month we have Russell Arlotta in the spotlight. Russell and his mom, Joan, have been volunteering for us for about 2 years now. Russell comes in on Friday afternoons to “make” the boxes so they’re ready for packing the next morning. He’s in a room for an hour and a half and when we come back, he’s filled it like a beautiful and perfect game of Tetris. A few months ago Russell invited a few of us to come to the Takoma Park Library to attend his presentation of his latest book, Goal Invention: The Mental Therapy, Sport and Hobby. “You wrote a book?! From You Tube to Fake Tube is another?!” I absolutely love these moments when I hear about what a volunteer does in the world outside of Tommy’s Pantry. We have authors, professors, grant writers, lawyers, politicians, graphic designers, experts in just about every field you can imagine. 

If you have expertise you’d like to share with the operations of Tommy’s Pantry, please go to https://tommyspantry.org/resource-center/ and we’ll be in touch.

If you haven’t already volunteered or if it’s been a while, give us a try and come meet some fascinating people! https://tommyspantry.org/volunteer/

Stay tuned for next month’s spotlight.

With gratitude,

Wendy Kent

President, Tommy’s Pantry

Upcoming Events and Updates

  • Tommy’s Pantry Awarded Takoma Foundation Grant – Tommy’s Pantry has received a $1,000 grant from the Takoma Foundation. We’re grateful for their support and excited to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to strengthening and nourishing our community. 
  • Tommy’s Pantry in the News! We’re honored to be featured in the June issue of Takoma Park News. Read how our pantry has grown to serve hundreds of local families each month and learn more about the volunteers and community partnerships that make our mission possible. The feature includes insights from our Vice President, Adrienne Tilton, who shares how the pantry has evolved to meet the ongoing needs of our neighbors. We invite you to read the full story.

Volunteer Spotlights

Congratulations to our longtime volunteer, Russell Alden Arlotta, on his recent book launch! Pictured with Tommy’s Pantry Board President Wendy Kent and former Vice President Sarah Goupell. 

This month, we’re proud to recognize Russell Alden Arlotta, a dedicated Tommy’s Pantry volunteer whose commitment has made him a valued member of our volunteer team.

Russell began volunteering because he wanted to give back and become more involved in his community. He says one of his favorite parts of volunteering is witnessing the incredible large-scale volunteer operations that occur at the volunteer center. “I am very happy to be a small part of this volunteer effort,” he shared.

Through his experience at Tommy’s Pantry, Russell has learned that volunteering benefits both the community and the volunteer. “It is very rewarding to take part in a project bigger than oneself,” he says.

When he’s not volunteering, Russell enjoys writing, journaling, and creating goals. Thank you, Russell, for your dedication and generosity. We are grateful to have you as part of our volunteer family!

Volunteer Updates

The 4th of July started with service as our incredible volunteers gathered early to distribute food to local families. Their dedication reminds us that one of the best ways to celebrate our community is by caring for one another.

  • To register for an upcoming volunteer opportunity, please visit our sign up page. Available dates are updated monthly. SSL hours are available for students. 
  • 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.
  • Many thanks to Lumina Studio Theatre  for sharing their time with Tommy’s Pantry! 

Fundraising Corner

Receive Assistance with Food & Wellness Items

  • Family health/wellness and cleaning supplies distribution: Join us on the morning of Saturday, August 1st. 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.
  • Shelf-stable food distribution: Food boxes will be offered on the morning of Saturday, August 15th. 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.

Community Resources & Your Rights

  • MCPS Summer Meals Program: School may be out, but nutritious meals are still available! The MCPS Summer Food Service Program is providing free meals to children and teens 18 and under, as well as eligible individuals with disabilities, at more than 100 locations across Montgomery County. Eligible families may also receive Maryland SUN Bucks, a $120 grocery benefit for each eligible child. Visit the Summer Meals website for meal locations, schedules, and eligibility information.
  • The annual Drive for Supplies event will take place from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Friday, July 24 at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Families can pick up free gently used school supplies, and the UpCounty Hub and Rise-N-Shine Foundation will be distributing food boxes to families. There will also be opportunities to sign up for SNAP benefits, free and reduced-price meals and summer support programs. All are welcome! 
  • 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. 

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, etc. you may have at home to help keep our 24-hour pantry stocked. Thank you!

Tommy’s Pantry News & Social Media

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 high 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 families from the East Silver Spring neighborhood.

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