STM is collecting gently used winter items (coats, hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters) for families in need. Collection sites at TPES, PBES, Tabletop, Margie Billian, TPSS Coop. The drive ends on Friday, December 4. If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, please email me at thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com with the number of coats donated and the total approximate value. Thanks!

STM’s auction funds are used to purchase food for our families in need. There is also the option to purchase chicken or turkeys for for our holiday baskets. Bidding for our silent auction is open until this Saturday, October 24 , 2026 at 6pm. Our deepest thanks to all of our wonderful donors!

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.