Our deepest thanks to Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller issuing a citation for STM’s food work and for coming out to pack and distribute produce at our April 18, 2025 distribution! Thanks also to Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI) APAA Director Christina Poy, Commission Chair Yang Yu, Commissioners Thai Nguyen, Alanna Lee, Isabelle Balakit, Takoma Park Seventh Day Adventist Church, TPSS Co-op, Asian Community Relief Association /Tina Le, Integrated Living Opportunities/Sherita Mason, and our wonderful team Jim, Lew, Karin, Al, Dori, Valerie, SJ, Chris, Mary, Barry, Jerome, Steve, Mitch, Lucy, Dori, Raisa, John, Richard, Doug, Nazilla, Glenn, Flor, Lorena, Yolanda, Jessica, Steve, Esther, John, Damien. Today we distributed food to over 400 families at the The Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church and over 300 home deliveries to seniors and families in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and Rockville!

Our deepest thanks to GOCI Commissioners Tho Tran and Isabelle Balakit for sharing information about STM’s volunteer and sponsorship opportunities at the 2025 Maryland Asian American Business Conference!

Small Things Matter teen-led pantry distribution is hosted once a month on Tuesdays at the back of the TPSS Coop. The teens practice their kindness and leadership skills by working with each other to share culturally appropriate food, clothing, feminine hygiene, and other items with those in need. If you have clothing that is clean and in dignity condition (no holes, tears, or stains) and you would like to donate them please contact us at thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com!

The Takoma Park Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 9am-1pm and offers a wide variety of baked goods, flowers, and fresh produce. At the end of the day many of the farmers and bakers donate their remaining food to serve those in need in Takoma Park. Small Things Matter is grateful to receive this bounty on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of each month. Shepherd’s Table receives these donations on the remaining Sundays. Please shop local and check out this amazing Sunday market that gives back to the community!

Our deepest thanks to Close Enough for donating their musical talents which helped us raise $941 in funds for our Kokua Foods Program! We also enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of McGinty’s which hosted the event. Their food and drink selections did not disappoint! A great time was had by all and we look forward to hosting another concert soon!

Please join us on Saturday, April 5th at McGinty’s. Local cover band “Close Enough” will be playing live music from 7:30-10:30pm. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can! 100% of the funds collected will be going to support STM’s Kokua Foods Program serving families in need in Montgomery County. Hope to see you there!

Our thanks to Nina Laplante Christensen for hosting wonderful food and feminine hygiene drives at her school Rochambeau, The French International School to benefit our families! We are grateful to her and all the students and families that donated over 500 lbs of food and 1500 feminine hygiene items! Nina is continuing her feminine hygiene drive this week!

Small Things Matter employs a variety of strategies to give those in need greater access to food. To address problems with transportation STM delivers food to several low-income housing apartments. To serve smaller apartments since multiple deliveries are not feasible those in need can access food at our drive by distributions or at the community pantries in Takoma Park. At the community pantries families and individuals can access food at different times during the day and even the night, giving everyone more access to pickup food at a time that works with their schedule.

Small Things Matter recently distributed 900 x 1 dozen eggs with the residents in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and Rockville through a wonderful partnership with Capital Area Food Bank. The cost of eggs have been prohibited so we were especially excited about their donation and our families were equally thrilled to receive them!

Happy Women’s History Month! Join me in celebrating all the amazing contributions women have made to our society. The women below are just a small sampling of the greatness out there!