It’s November and the City Elections are over, so it must be time to start thinking about Thanksgiving! Some families can’t afford the expense of a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. If you are preparing the meal, you know to expect a larger-than-average grocery bill before the holidays. For some people, it’s just not possible.

In Rockville, we care about the people who can’t afford to celebrate the holidays. For over 30 years, we have had an annual Holiday Drive. Last year food was given to 622 families for Thanksgiving. In December gift cards will be collected for needy residents. Last year 537 families received toys and gift cards.

Have you heard about all those toy recalls due to lead? Well, this year the City is not having a toy drive. Instead, $15 gift cards will be collected for children under the age of 18. This is a major change in the way Rockville residents can help.

What can you do?

Donations of nonperishable food (canned fruit, vegetables, soup, macaroni and cheese, etc.) can be brought to:

The Division of Community Services office at 20 Courthouse Square (Suite 205) in Rockville Town Center

The back porch of the Glenview Mansion (Baltimore Rd. and Edmonston Dr.); and

The Rockville Senior Center (1150 Carnation Dr.)

On weekends or after 5 p.m., donations can be left at the Twinbrook Community Recreation Center (12920 Twinbrook Pkwy).

Checks made payable to the Rockville Holiday Drive Fund or $15 gift cards (toys, sports equipment, electronics and affordable clothing for teens) can be mailed to:

Division of CommunityServices, 20 Courthouse Square, Suite #205, Rockville, Md 20850.

Donations can be made through Rock Enroll online: (It’s new this year! You can do it right now!)

A donation of $200 will provide food and gifts for a family of four (#23489)

A donation of $25 will sponsor a child or senior (#23490)

Your generosity will earn you triple Rockin’ Reward points and is tax deductible.

If you can, please support the Holiday Drive. Get the giving season off to a good start!