Thanksgiving Food Drive in Sterling, VA | St. Matthew's
Help us provide 300 bags of food for local families this Thanksgiving!
This Thanksgiving, you can help make sure our neighbors have food on the table.
St. Matthew's is collecting 300 bags of food to support local students and families in need. Whether you fill a reusable grocery bag, sponsor a family, or volunteer your time, your generosity can make a meaningful impact this season.
Join us in sharing God's love with our community this Thanksgiving.
Three ways to make a difference
Fill a Bag
Pick up a reusable grocery bag at St. Matthew's beginning October 25, fill it with items on our shopping list below, and return it to the church by Sunday, November 8.
Sponsor a Bag
Can't shop for a bag? A $75 gift sponsors a bag for a local family. Your donation helps us provide the food and essentials our neighbors need this holiday season.
Help us turn donated groceries into bags of food for local families!
Join us on November 13 to organize donations or on Saturday, November 14, from 9–11 AM to pack bags for distribution.
Help us reach our goal of 300 bags!
Thanksgiving Food Drive Shopping List
St. Matthew’s Outreach Team works closely with Family Liaisons at our partner schools to ensure the food we collect reflects the needs and preferences of the families we support.
Please include one of each item on the shopping list below, following the specified quantities as you are able.
Spices & Seasonings
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Ground cumin
-
Chili powder
-
Paprika
-
Salt & Pepper
Pantry Staples
-
2 lb bag of dried beans
-
1 lb bag of white rice
-
2 x 12 oz cans tuna or chicken
-
24 oz jar of pasta sauce
-
2 lbs of pasta
-
16 - 32oz. vegetable oil
-
2 lb bag of corn flour (like Maseca)
Fresh Produce & Something Sweet
-
2 large sweet potatoes and/or acorn squash
-
Thanksgiving Treat
Optional Extras*:
Want to include a little something more? These additional items are welcome but not required.
-
$40 Walmart (or other food store) gift card - label with $ amount
-
Toothpaste
-
Toothbrushes
-
Disposable diapers*
-
Baby wipes*
-
Feminine hygiene products*
-
Personal note or drawing
*Please bring optional extras in a separate bag.
Drop off your filled bags at St. Matthew's:
-
Sundays: Between services
-
Tues/Thurs: Office hours 8 AM - 4 PM
-
Deadline: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Important Dates
Sunday, November 8
Filled Bags Due
Drop off your filled Thanksgiving food bags to St. Matthew's
Friday, November 13
Volunteers Organize Food Donations
Join us from 9 AM to 11 AM to organize donations
Saturday, November 14
Volunteer Packing Day
Join us from 9 AM - 11 AM at St. Matthew's in the Parish Hall
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to attend St. Matthew's to participate?
Not at all! Our Thanksgiving Food Drive is open to everyone wishing to help support local families. Anyone from our community, including businesses, scout troops and other community groups are welcome to participate.
Where do I drop off my filled grocery bag(s)?
Please return your filled bags to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church at 201 E. Frederick Drive in Sterling, VA by Sunday, November 8. Drop off items at the back entrance under the Donation Area sign on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 8 AM and 4 PM or Sundays between 8 AM and 12 PM.
Can I donate food without filling an entire bag?
Absolutely! Individual food donations are welcome. We simply ask that all donated food be from our requested shopping list and that no expired items be donated. This helps us provide food that meets the needs and preferences of the families we support.
Additional questions about the Food Drive?
Contact office@stmtts.org for more information.