Monthly Update 3.16.2024: Don’t Miss the Spring Fling! 

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Dear Takoma Park and Silver Spring families and friends,

Last month, I reported how we are now serving a record 350 households, and how we are committed to sustaining that service capacity increase throughout the rest of 2024. Please help us ensure that operating funds are not an obstacle to serving more of those in our community who need our services by purchasing a ticket to our Spring Fling fundraiser. Come to the Spring Fling to enjoy some light refreshments, connect with friends, and learn how Tommy’s Pantry positively impacted our community in 2023. 

We at Tommy’s Pantry continue to make adjustments to meet increased demand, but we need ongoing donor support to keep our grassroots organization going. Half of the items we provide are not covered by SNAP EBT (food stamps), and grant funding opportunities for those same items are elusive. The community depends on us for these necessities, which must be bought using our general operating funds. Together, we can do more to make sure that no one in need is turned away empty-handed. 

Sincerely,

Wendy Kent, President

Upcoming Events

  • Don’t miss the Tommy’s Pantry Spring Fling!: Tommy’s Pantry’s annual Spring Fling is Sunday, April 14th from 5-7 pm, and tickets are on sale NOW! Please join us and the Raskin family in Potomac, MD to help raise money for Tommy’s Pantry as we celebrate the season of renewal and the memory of our namesake, Tommy Raskin.
  • Great Music for a Great Cause: Please join the The Aftertimes, Isn’t That So?, and Celtic Underground Music at the VFW POST 350 “Hells Bottom” on April 20th at 6:30 PM for a night of music in support of Tommy’s Pantry!
  • Pet Supply Drive: Tommy’s Pantry will host a Pet Food & Supply Drive on Saturday, May 11th from 10 am – 1 pm at 630 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD. All items collected will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. More details will be released soon on the News page of our website.

See the Difference Your Support Made in 2023

Fundraising Corner

Volunteer Update

Tommy’s Pantry News & Social Media

Receive Assistance with Food & Wellness Items

  • Family health/wellness and cleaning supplies distribution: Join us on Saturday, April 6th, at 7:30 am 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.
  • Shelf-stable food and fresh fruits and vegetables distribution: Food boxes will be offered on Saturday, April 20th, at 7:30 am 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.
  • 50% off WMATA fares: WMATA’s new 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 .
  • For the 2023-2024 school year: Families can add funds to student lunch accounts using MySchoolBucks, or payments can be made directly to the cafeteria using cash or a check. Families that qualify for any level of Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) support will still receive FREE meals. To apply online, visit www.MySchoolApps.com.

Thank you for your continued support of this vital community initiative.

Wendy Kent
Tommy’s Pantry President

Sarah Goupell
Tommy’s Pantry Vice President

Kathleen Bartels
Tommy’s Pantry Treasurer

Sasha Johnson
Tommy’s Pantry Secretary 

Paula Kowalczuk
Tommy’s Pantry Board Member, Chair of Fundraising Committee

Hannah Raskin
Tommy’s Pantry Board Member, Chair of Fundraising & Finance Committee

Adrienne Tilton
Tommy’s Pantry Board Member, At-large

Joe Newman
Tommy’s Pantry Student Board Member

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.

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