The Town of Chevy Chase is collecting grocery gift cards and cash donations through Oct. 31 to help Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) families put Thanksgiving meals on the table.
In its 18th year, the town's annual Thanksgiving drive provides Giant and Aldi gift cards to families in nearby MCPS schools who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs during the school year. When classes break for the holiday, that safety net disappears.
The drive fills the gap.
MCPS schools will dismiss early Nov. 23, 24 and 25, then close for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27, according to the MoCo Show.
The town's announcement says 100% of every donation goes toward helping families shop for groceries during the November holiday.
Residents can contribute in three ways: send a payment via Venmo to @TOCCFriends, drop off or mail a check payable to YMCA Youth and Family Services (YMCA-YFS), or donate Giant or Aldi gift cards. Drop-off locations include the Town Office and Bridget Hartman's mail slot at 7214 Ridgewood Ave. The deadline is Oct. 31.
The YMCA's Youth and Family Services program coordinates distribution to the families.
During the 17th annual drive in 2025, the town reported it had raised enough at that point to purchase $100 Giant and Aldi cards for 80 MCPS families experiencing food insecurity, with a goal of reaching at least 100 families.
The program has grown over the years. A 2016 Patch report noted the effort reached 150 families that year, partnering with Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and the Lawton Center.
How to donate:
- Venmo: @TOCCFriends
- Check: Payable to YMCA-YFS; drop off at the Town Office or mail to 7214 Ridgewood Ave.
- Gift cards: Giant or Aldi; same drop-off locations
- Deadline: Oct. 31
