Gratitude in Action
Thanksgiving Collection Drive - Time Sensitive
PLEASE READ ENTIRE MESSAGE 🧡 🧡 🧡
Dear Families,
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, our program is partnering with DCPP to support local families in need.
We’re collecting Kid-friendly foods, wipes, diapers, Thanksgiving items like beans and rice, canned corn, pumpkin, and mac & cheese.
See below for the list requested by DCPP (the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the state of New Jersey).
Each item is a concrete “thank You” to God and a sign of love for our neighbors.
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Getting students in the Spirit
How to participate (simple & family-friendly):
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Shop together: Let your child choose an item to give—talk about gratitude on the way.
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Bring: We have collection baskets in the classroom. Bring donations to class by November 18
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Classroom challenge: The class that brings in the most items will have a Munchkin (Dunkin' Donuts) class treat.
MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
Baby wipes and diapers (all brands and all sizes)
FOOD:
Boxed stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, gravy packets
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Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, peas), canned yams
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Cranberry sauce (cans), canned pumpkin
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Boxed cornbread/muffin mixes
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Shelf-stable pie crust mix, evaporated milk
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Rice, boxed rice/pilaf, pasta, pasta sauce
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Broth/stock in cartons or cans
Kid-Friendly Foods (easy, quick)
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Peanut butter or sunflower butter; jelly in plastic squeeze bottles
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Cereal, oatmeal packets, granola bars
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Mac & cheese boxes or cups
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Shelf-stable milk or milk boxes; hot cocoa packets
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Canned pasta meals, chili, hearty soups (pull-tab lids if possible)
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Canned tuna/chicken, Spam, Vienna sausages
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Applesauce cups, fruit cups (in juice), raisins
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Crackers, pretzels, popcorn, goldfish-type snacks
Baby Foods (pouches)
Please avoid: expired/open packages, refrigerated/frozen items.
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“Thanksgiving is our chance to say ‘Thank You, God,’ not just with words, but with love. When we bring baby wipes/diapers and non-perishable food for our collection drive, we’re sharing our blessings with families who need a little extra help.
Every item is a small gift that says, ‘God cares about you.’ Let’s each choose something to give, place it in the classroom bin with a smile, and whisper a quick prayer:
‘Jesus, please bless the family who receives this.’ That’s gratitude in action—that’s service!”
PS. - COMMUNITY HOURS GRADE 7 & 8
Students can earn community service hours by assisting with our Thanksgiving collection—counting items, sorting food, and preparing packages for delivery. We’ll work in teams on AFTER CLASS - NOV. 10 & 11, NOV. 17 & 18.
Event Information
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Event Information
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Parents Corner Password:
ILUVMYCHURCH (Use all caps/case sensitive)
- Privacy & Safety: It’s password-protected (we serve minors), so class information and downloads remain within our parent community.
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Thank you for helping our children learn that gratitude becomes real when it is shared.
Gratefully,