Small Things Matter’s food rescue efforts play a vital role in supporting families in need while also protecting the environment. By recovering surplus, high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to households facing food insecurity, the organization ensures that nutritious meals reach those who need them most. At the same time, this work helps reduce the amount of food sent to landfills, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and conserving the resources used to produce and transport food. Through this dual impact, Small Things Matter strengthens community well-being while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible food system.

Avendra’s Bring Your Child to Work Day was made even more meaningful through a hands-on service activity supporting Small Things Matter. Employees and their children came together to create colorful kindness rocks designed to spread joy throughout the community, while also assembling toiletry bags filled with essential items and heartfelt, handwritten notes for families in need. The event not only introduced young participants to the value of giving back, but also reinforced a culture of compassion and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on both the volunteers and those served.

Small Things Matter was thrilled to host a school-wide distribution of brand new books for Rolling Terrace Elementary School, a Title I School in Takoma Park. Encouraging literacy in underserved populations is essential for expanding opportunity and reducing long-standing inequities. Strong reading and writing skills are foundational to educational success, stable employment, and informed participation in civic life. In communities facing barriers such as under-resourced schools, language differences, or limited access to books and technology, targeted literacy support can help close achievement gaps and build confidence across generations. By investing in culturally relevant materials, community-based programs, and accessible learning opportunities, we not only empower individuals but also strengthen families and create more resilient, equitable communities.

Food insecurity among seniors is a growing but often hidden issue, particularly within Asian communities where cultural values such as self-reliance, saving face, and not burdening others can make it difficult to seek help. Many Asian older adults, especially immigrants, may face language barriers, limited access to culturally appropriate foods, and social isolation, all of which increase their risk of going without adequate nutrition. Despite significant need, these seniors are less likely to access food assistance programs or community resources due to stigma and a reluctance to disclose hardship. As a result, food insecurity in this population often remains underreported and unaddressed, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive outreach and support systems. Small Things Matter is grateful for the opportunity to help seniors in need in Montgomery County.

STM recently shared fresh produce with seniors in need at the Muryang Buddhist Temple and Global Mission Church. The silent struggle of food insecurity among middle-class seniors is a significant issue that often goes unnoticed. Despite owning homes, receiving pensions, or living in comfortable neighborhoods, many seniors face  challenges in affording or accessing nutritious food. This problem is exacerbated by fixed incomes that donot keep pace with rising living costs, mobility challenges, and the fear of burdening family members. need. Our thanks to Judge Chung Pak and Alanna Lee for coordinating these donation efforts.

Food Insecurity Stat from our friends at Takoma Park Meals on Wheels

• 7 million older Americans faced food insecurity in 2022
• 12.8% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2022
• 13.7% of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2024
• 86.3% of U.S. households were food secure throughout 2024
• 18.4% of households with children under age 18 were food insecure in 2024

A huge thanks to everyone who joined us in honoring Tommy Raskin at Kindness Day 2026 with 6,459 acts of kindness inspired by Tommy. The day was filled with making and sharing items including friendship bracelets, toiletry kits, snack bags, cups of cheer blankets, clothing, to benefit those in need.  Our thanks to those of you who are coming out to volunteer with us, to all the nonprofits, groups and individuals who hosted tables (Linus Project, Homeshare, TPSS CSN, MoCo IRC, Blair Unidas, For Such A Time As This, Bombas, Sudanos, Takoma Art Library, PBES PTA, Olive Lounge, Rachel Gold, Kathleen Nixon, Difference Makers Bakers,Nonprofit Wellness, Miller Coaching Services, Seven Oaks Evanswood Citizens Association (SOECA), John Salmen, John F. Kennedy High School Leadership Training Institute (LTI), Not Child’s Play/Risa Shaw, STM at Richard Montgomery High School, I Support the Girls, Let’s Play America, STM at Walter Johnson High School, Girl Scout Troop 34054, Personal Care Foundation, Kindness corner at Montgomery Blair High School, STM at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Crochet Club for Teens, ProjectKnitwell, Girl Scout Troop 31456, Girl Scout Troop 34262, Marcelle Fozzard, Sophie Holt, and Lindsey Archuletta) and to all the businesses that held instore kindness events including the TPSS Coop, Old Takoma Ace Hardware, Tabletop, and Takoma Bev Co!

RESCHEDULED to February 7 due to the snow!

Save the NEW date! Kindness Day In Honor of Tommy Raskin is on Saturday, February 7 from 10am-1pm at Piney Branch ES. Join us in making a difference by celebrating the power of kindness in honor of Tommy.

 ­­On-site Activities at Piney Branch ES

• STM hygiene kits, Cups of Cheer, rice and beans, and fresh produce giveaway in partnership with Sudanos, plus blankets from Project Linus, winter coats from Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C. for families in need
• For Such A Time As This/Esther Sagguruthi mental health assessment and paper doll decorating
• Nonprofit Wellness/Susan Comfort gratitude card and envelope making
• PBES PTA/Mari Quenemoen Cards for teachers and staff, collecting gently used books for 3rd – 5th graders
• Lindsey Archuletta Woven friendship bracelets 
• Takoma Art Library/Sarah Voisin scrappy kindness badges
• Miller Coaching Services/Chantelle Miller Kindness tree with leaf notes
• Seven Oaks Evanswood Citizens Association (SOECA)/Elicia John pack a shoebox for families in need
• John Salmen Assembling “CapOrnaments” 
• Elijah Hillard/John F. Kennedy High School Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Lego giveaway for families in need
• TPSS CSN/MoCo IRC/Blair Unidas/Jamie Iwugo and Jaime Koppel Watercolor butterflies and letter writing to impacted families
• Not Child’s Play/Risa Shaw Spin the board game and sticker giveaway
• STM Richard Montgomery HS/Ved Bhise feminine hygiene packing/distribution
• Let’s Play America/Pat Rumbaugh Playing with Corn Hole & playing Giant Uno
• Small Things Matter/Nina Laplante Christensen coloring pin-backed buttons
• Small Things Matter/Lana Anderson STM monster stuffies
• Girl Scout Troop 34054/Shannon Earle and Lee Anderegg Friendship bracelets
• Personal Care Foundation/Carol Freitas Encouragement cards
• Kindness corner at MBHS/Farzaneh Nabavian Rock painting and pebble painting 
• Kim Reyes Makeup Face painting
• Kindness Snack Station Olive Lounge (hummus, pita, falafel), Rachel Gold (cookies)
• STM Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS/Alexander Daum Rice and beans packing/distribution
• Crochet Club for Teens/Leila Willman & Gillian Willman Crochet bracelets and bookmarks
• ProjectKnitwell Teaching knitting
• Girl Scouts troop 31456 Dog pulls and animal shelter collection
• American Road Trip/Marcelle Fozzard color/collage a bird or a peace symbol
• Girl Scout Troop 34262 Boredom Buster Bags for Children’s National Hospital.

On site Collections at Piney Branch ES:

• Towels, sheets, dog toys for Montgomery County Humane Society
• Canned/nonperishable food for Small Things Matter (STM)
• Legos (pieces and sets) for families in need
• Socks (new/unused) for families in need
• Acrylic yarn 
• Toiletries (new/unused, travel and full-sizes) to benefit neighbors in need via  Personal Care Foundation, Tabletop, and Seven Oaks Evanswood Citizens Association 
• Diapers (open packs are fine) and any related supplies (baby food, formula, clothes, teething rings, bottles, etc) for families in need
• Clothing (new/preloved) for families in need

In store events:

• 2/7 Takoma Bev Co crafting event from 1pm-3pm.
• 2/7 Tabletoptoiletries collection for the Free Little Pantry located outside of the TP Presbyterian Church 
• 2/7 Old Takoma Ace Hardware free popcorn, hot chocolate, stickers and $5 off coupons.
• 1/31 TPSS Coop Feed a Neighbor Fund collection, Co-op Act of Kindness prompts, food drive for STM

A huge thank you to our community and all of our amazing partners for collecting and donating toys to ensure that the children we serve have a bright Christmas! Together 1,203 toys were shared. Thank you for your caring hearts!