As we approach the holiday season, many families begin preparing for abundant feasts and family traditions. For some of us, however, holidays often cause anxiety as we struggle to provide a basic Thanksgiving meal for our family. At St. Augustine we celebrate Thanksgiving by sharing God's blessings with our community.
For over 50 years, St. Augustine Catholic Church has sponsored the Thanksgiving Food Drive. This exciting ministry collects and distributes hundreds of frozen turkeys and food items to local families so that they can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal.
Last year, St. Augustine parishioners provided a turkey and bags of food packed with sides to over 600 families in the DC area. In addition to donating food, parishioners helped transport, sort, pack, and distribute the food in the weeks before Thanksgiving.
It is all made possible with the help of people like you!
Learn more about DONATION and VOLUNTEER opportunities below!
A key part of this effort is providing families with the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal — the turkey! We kindly ask for your your pledge of one or more FROZENturkeys. Your pledge will directly help a local family celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and joy. Click Here to Make a Turkey Pledge! Drop off FROZENturkeysat the St. Augustine Catholic School cafeteria ONLY on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 from 1:00-9:00 p.m.
NOTE: To maintain food safety and manage proper storage until distribution, please ensure turkeys are fully frozen when donated.
We DO NOT accept fresh or thawed turkeys. We canonly distributeFROZENturkeys to families.
Food Donations
Drop off non-perishable canned or packaged food items listed belowat the back of the church, after every Mass, from Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, November 15.
Please donate the food item listed next to the first letter of your LAST name.
Last name begins with
Items to donate
Last name begins with
Items to donate
A - F
Sweet Potatoes (16 oz. cans)
O - V
Green Beans (canned)
G - J
Potatoes (instant)
W - Z
Turkey Gravy (cans preferred)
K - N
Stuffing (large sizes preferred)
Monetary Donations
If you prefer to make a financial contribution, it will be used to purchase turkeys and staple items to complement the donated food. This ensures every family enjoys a complete Thanksgiving meal.
The following policies are intended to support your volunteer experience and ensure the success of this event:
Please be sure to register in advance to let us know which days you will participate. Your advance registration is important for our planning efforts including task assignments and food for volunteers.
All children under the age of 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Those who are assigned as "Greeters" or "Security" will receive a special orientation beforehand. This training session will be key to understanding your role.
Volunteers may NOT take toys at any time during the Toy Drive. The toys are donated specifically for families that are registered recipients.
If you or your family are registered to receive toys, or if you choose to be placed on a waiting list, we ask that you NOT volunteer on Distribution Day. You are more than welcome to volunteer in preparing bags and setting up, but we ask that on Distribution Day, you arrive with your family and participate as a recipient. If you wish to register your family to be on a waiting list, please Contact Us. Please note that we cannot guarantee toys will be available for those on the waiting list.
Food served at each activity is prepared for registered volunteers only.
Committee members wearing "Ask Me" t-shirts will be available at each activity to answer questions.
Volunteers are encouraged to have a big smile and big heart and to be ready for anything! THANK YOU for your service!