Join us at our annual gala and silent auction. All proceeds to help support our food insecure neighbors. Our thanks to our generous sponsors and amazing volunteers for making this possible.

STM has been supporting seniors by providing them with fresh produce, helping ensure they have regular access to nutritious, healthy foods. Increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables can support overall health by providing essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, while contributing to a balanced diet. For older adults, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also support healthy digestion, cardiovascular health, immune function, and healthy weight management, helping promote overall well-being and quality of life. Pictured is STM with Judge Chung Pak delivering fresh produce and frozen whole chicken to 250 seniors at Global Mission Church in Silver Spring, MD.

STM Richard Montgomery HS hosted a soft darts game complete with prizes (stuffed animals) at Let’s Play America’s Play Day. The day was filled with lots of games and activities including a rousing game of Simon Says led by Rep. Jamie Raskin.

STM Blair HS purchased and assembled small omiyage or “gifts” to celebrate the seniors at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) DC Keiro Kai event. Keir Kai literally translates to “Respect-for-the-Elderly Gathering”. It is a cultural event in Japan and Japanese communities, often held annually to honor, celebrate, and show gratitude to senior members of the community. The Governor’s APAA Commission and the Embassy of Japan were also in attendance.

Thanks to you 2771 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to our families and friends in need! Our deepest thanks to everyone that made this year’s backpack and school supplies drive a success! 

Thanks to: Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), Morgan Lewis, TPSS Coop, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Tabletop, Takoma Bev Co, Old Takoma Ace Hardware, Monitor Group, Halau Ho’omau I ka Wai Ola O Hawai’i, Christ Community Church of Ashton, Leticia Lewis, Theesh Silva, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, MassMutual Greater Washington, Marriott Digital Services​ (MDS), Metropolitan Community Club (MCC) of Montgomery County, Widowed In Montgomery County (WIM), St Paul UMC Laytonsville, Wellpoint, Center for Social Change, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C., TP Seventh Day Adventist Church, Governor’s APAA Commission Youth Fellows, Capital Youth Outreach Club, and our amazing community!

Small Things Matter shared toiletries, games, craft kits, and books at the Storytellers Book Festival organized by Partnerships in Literacy at the ResFest. It was a wonderful day with ResFest sharing important resources such as food support, lead testing, and vaccination clinics and the book festival showcasing Maryland and Virginia authors, the Baltimore book mobile, and free book giveaways.

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.