Message from Sarah Raskin
There is a delightful tingle you feel after handing a box of Tommy’s Pantry essentials over to one of our neighbors. It’s hard to describe but it is invariably in the air, even on frigidly cold Saturday mornings.
Waking up early to join the irrepressible band of multi-generational volunteers at a Saturday morning distribution gives you that smile of gratitude when you see firsthand how essential food and personal care products are to so many of our neighbors.
It reinforces just how important Tommy’s Pantry is to those in need, and how so many people are doing so much.
As you well know, Tommy’s Pantry believes in the power of community support, especially during challenging times. Its mission remains rooted in providing vital resources to our struggling neighbors. As Tommy Raskin reminds us, we meet this mission best when we do it without judgment, with no conditions or strings attached.
I don’t need to point out that 2026 has proven to be a continuation of a particularly hard time. In addition to food insecurity, many in our community face discrimination, cruel intimidation and job loss. I’m so proud that Tommy’s Pantry continues to serve as a buffer against some of these harms.
This work would not be possible without the support of people like you, who truly are magicians in your capacity to think of myriad ways to show your capacity to act collectively and individually as you jump into the fray to assist.
So in recognition of that delight we all feel when it comes to the work of Tommy’s Pantry, and with the renewed excitement that spring brings, I want to invite you to the annual Tommy’s Pantry Spring Fling event on Sunday, April 12th from 2 to 4pm. Every Spring, Jamie and our family look forward to this event.
With you we are able to catch up, marvel at what Tommy’s Pantry has accomplished, share stories with old friends, meet new ones, compare notes on that delightful tingle we experience when handing over boxes, and take a celebratory exhale for a moment as we fortify for what lies ahead.
I look forward to seeing you at the Tommy’s Pantry Spring Fling as we celebrate the vital work of Tommy’s Pantry.
With gratitude, and unshakeable awe,
Sarah Bloom Raskin
Upcoming Events
Spring Fling | Sunday, April 12th
The Tommy’s Pantry Annual Spring Fling is
Sunday, April 12th, 2-4pm in Potomac.
Sorry I can’t attend, but I’m happy to support
Tommy’s Pantry with a donation.
Fundraising Corner
Two runners, one mission. Michael and Joe going the distance for Tommy’s Pantry.
On April 20, our incredible volunteer Michael Newman will run the Boston Marathon to raise funds for Tommy’s Pantry. His family has supported the pantry since 2020, and his son Joe now serves as our Student Board Member. We’re deeply grateful for their dedication. Please help Michael reach his goal of raising $5,240.
Volunteer Updates
Early hours, real impact. Volunteers on the ground.
- 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 recent groups for sharing their time with Tommy’s Pantry: Sound + Vision Youth Chorus and First Congregational Church.
- 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.
Tommy’s Pantry Needs You!
Visit our Resource Center
Want to share your skills? The Resource Center has been set up as a way for people in our community to volunteer their talents and professional skills.
Receive Assistance with Food
and Wellness Items
Shelf-stable food distribution: Food boxes will be offered on the morning of Saturday, April 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 (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, May 2nd. 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 (630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD). If you plan to walk up, please email tommyspantry@gmail.com in advance.
Tommy’s Pantry News and Social Media
Stay connected with us on social media! Follow us on Instagram, and like our Tommy’s Pantry Facebook page.
- For more information, photos from our packing and distribution events, and Spanish, Pashto, 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 to subscribe
Community Resources & Your Rights
- Know Your Rights: Please visit the Know Your Rights page 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
Tommy’s Pantry
633 Sligo Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20912
Email tommyspantry@gmail.com
Federal Tax I.D.# 87-2088993