Small Things Matter (STM) is a 501(3)c nonprofit dedicated to serving over 1000 Montgomery County families in need with our food, literacy, and crafting programs. STM's Kokua Foods Program helps address food insecurity in our community by providing food insecure families with fresh produce and other healthy food options.
During the holidays we try to provide our families with small toys for the younger children and gift cards for the teens and parents.
We are trying to help the food insecure families we serve by providing the children with a small holiday gift.
We are looking for volunteers to donate new toys for children (ages 0-12) or $10-$20 gift cards for teens (ages 13-18) celebrate the holidays this year along with a handmade holiday card. Please save your receipts. We cannot accept used items. All items must be purchased new for this opportunity.
Not approved for MCPS SSL hours. See guidelines for agencies on how virtual opportunities may be considered for SSL.
We would love to have individuals and groups supporting this effort.
We will award 1 hour of community service for each toy or $10 gift card plus handmade notecard donated which can be used towards:
- The National Honor Society (https://www.nhs.us/)
- President's Volunteer Service Award (https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/)
- Community service for private schools
- Community service for college
- Court ordered service
Instructions:
NOTE that all donations must be received by the Saturday December 10. This is so that we have enough time to sort and deliver presents to all of the families.
1. Please email us at thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com indicating the number of toys or gift cards you would like to donate
2. Purchase a small toy (each a $10-$20 value) -or- gift card(s) (each a $10-$20 value). All toys must be new and unused.
Please write the value of the gift card on the card. Places such as Fair Day's Play in Takoma Park, Five Below, Target, and Amazon are some of the many stores that have toys. Barbies, baby dolls, balls (footballs, soccer balls, etc), scooters are some of the toys that kids love. Amazon, Target, and Starbucks are a few places that have gift cards that teens would enjoy. Please keep your receipt from all toys/gift cards as proof of purchase.
3. Make a handmade gift card using either a blank card or a sheet of xerox paper folded in half twice.
DOS
- Make a unique handmade card. This is part of your present so put some love and care into it.
- Write a cheery non-religious greeting inside.
DO NOTS
- Please do not draw or write anything religious on the card.
- Please do not mass reproduce your card using a xerox machine or using the same design over and over.
- Please do not sign the card with your name
4. Place your gift using a gift bag (toy + handmade card) or an envelope (gift card + handmade card). Please do not wrap the gifts with paper because we need to see them to sort them appropriately. Please leave the bag/envelope unsealed (please do not staple, tape, or seal).
5. Please enter proof of your work via the google sheet below. You will need to submit a photo of your work, plus a log of your work. Please copy and paste the link below into your browser. Make sure that you are not logged into a school account or this form will not work.
Please drop off your donations at 14516 Bauer Drive, Rockville, MD
If you are dropping off holiday gift cards for the teens place them in a separate bag...DO NOT ADD THEM TO ONE OF THE TOY BAGS.
Please leave your gifts in the marked box on our carport. We are doing a no contact dropoff.
Please contact me at thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com ahead of time so I know when you will be dropping off or if you have any questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- Is this approved for MCPS SSL hours? NO.
- Is this approved for community service hours? YES, you will be awarded community service hours which can be used for membership in the National Honor Society, President's Volunteer Service Award, community service at private schools, court appointed service
- Do I need to sign up? There is no need to sign up.
- Is there a limit to how many I make? No limit.
- Are these items still needed? YES, it is still an ongoing need.
- We are helping over 1000 families in Montgomery County by providing food assistance and are very busy and trying to limit emails about this opportunity. Thanks for understanding!!!
Please email Roxanne (thesmallthingsmatter@yahoo.com) if you would like to help a child in need.
Thanks!
Small Things Matter
