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Thanksgiving Care Packages for 75 Families in Need

Published on 11/2/2023

SMMC Philanthropy
THANKSGIVING CARE PACKAGES FOR 75 FAMILIES IN NEED

By: Sarah Dobrovolny | November 2, 2023

Fall is officially here, with the days feeling shorter, the weather cooling off, and leaves changing color… and before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here! This time of year always makes me think of two things: family and food. I’m grateful to have both, and to have enough.

I’m also aware that this is not true for everyone — and far too many people are going through a really difficult time. I was startled to learn from The Urban Institute that almost 1 in 4 American adults are food insecure, and that’s up from 1 in 5 a year prior. This is 25% of adults worrying about how they’re going to get their next meal. I think we can all agree that no one should have to struggle to feed their family.

This is one reason SMMC is dedicated to having an annual Thanksgiving drive: collectively, we can offer a reprieve to parents in our community that might not otherwise be able to have the Thanksgiving meal they envision for their family.

Now I think it’s worth mentioning that people have different ways of celebrating Thanksgiving, and some don’t celebrate at all. This is why our 2023 Thanksgiving care package drive is a little different: we will provide each family with a food gift certificate, a tin of homemade cookies, and a handmade card. Our goal is to show we care through homemade treats, while also giving the gift of choice.

This year, as in years past, we are partnering with Homeward Bound of Marin to identify 75 families to receive the Thanksgiving care packages. If you aren’t already familiar with their incredible work supporting families, Homeward Bound is the primary provider of homeless shelters and services for homeless families and individuals in Marin. In the last year, their family programs served 133 children. Of the families that left Homeward Bound’s programs during the year, 90% moved to stable housing.

I hope you will join SMMC in supporting our Thanksgiving care package effort. Here are four ways you and your children can participate:

1. Card Making Party
Saturday, November 4
10am-12pm
Let's get the kiddos together at Art Abloom’s studio in San Anselmo to make a unique Thanksgiving card for each family. This event is open to all SMMC members, partners, caregivers, members’ friends, and children of all ages. Sign up early to reserve your spot!

2. Calling All Cookie Bakers
Due by Wednesday, November 15
We need 750 cookies! Bake your favorite recipe and deliver them to a drop-off site near you or arrange for pick-up. These cookies will be lovingly packaged up for the families. Sign up to let us know how many cookies you can contribute!

3. Moms’ Night Out: Care Package Wrapping Party
Wednesday, November 15
7:00-9:00pm
Join other SMMC members for an adults-only night out putting together the Thanksgiving care packages. We'll wrap, we'll chat, we'll sip and snack. Let's enjoy ourselves while doing good for the community! Add your name to the list so we know you’re coming!

4. Fund a Care Package with a Gift of $115
Please consider making a donation to help fund the 75 food gift certificates and supplies for the care packages. A gift of $115 will provide a complete care package for one family. SMMC has promised a match of up to $1,500 of donations received. Make a donation and receive a charitable donation receipt!

Our collective efforts aim to bring joy to families during an otherwise challenging time. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sarah Dobrovolny lives in San Anselmo with her husband Spencer and their 20-month-old Sadie. Sarah is a Stay At Home Mom and serves on the SMMC Board as Director of Philanthropy. Sarah also volunteers as SMMC’s SAHM group leader, co-leader of the San Anselmo/Fairfax town group, coordinator for Little Movers & Shakers, on the 2023 Events team, and as a copy editor for The Crier.